What Is DUI Manslaughter in Charlotte County?

A first-time DUI in Charlotte County with no injuries or deaths may lead to relatively light penalties. However, the consequences become notably more severe if a drunk driving accident results in a fatality. DUI defendants facing these allegations should consider their options alongside experienced Fort Myers DUI defense attorneys as soon as possible. What exactly is DUI manslaughter, and how bad can it get?

Driver Faces DUI Manslaughter Charges After Fatal Charlotte County Crash 

In January of 2025, a driver who crashed in Charlotte County was charged with DUI manslaughter. The collision was fatal, and it resulted in his arrest. Police say that the defendant was speeding on the El Jobean Bridge when he sideswiped another vehicle, causing that driver to veer into the back of a third vehicle.

After being rear-ended, the driver of the third vehicle suffered fatal injuries. After arriving at the scene, Florida Highway Patrol carried out an investigation and concluded that the defendant was intoxicated. As a result, he was charged with two offenses: Vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter.

After the arrest, police noted that the crash was still officially under investigation. It may be that the evidence of intoxication is not reliable. However, the defendant would still face the remaining charge of vehicular homicide – even if the charge of DUI manslaughter is dropped.

The Elements of DUI Manslaughter in Florida 

DUI manslaughter is a crime that has various “elements.” Prosecutors in Florida must establish the existence of all these elements if they want to secure a conviction.

The first requirement is to prove that you were in “actual physical control” of the vehicle in question. This means you cannot face DUI manslaughter charges if someone else was driving the vehicle.

The next requirement is to prove that you were under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. As most people are aware, the legal limit in Florida is a BAC of 0.08.

The final requirement is to prove your decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated led directly to the death of another person. Note that you can face DUI manslaughter charges if you merely “contribute” to the death of another person while intoxicated.

In the above example, the defendant sideswiped a vehicle – causing no injuries with the initial collision. However, the vehicle that he hit went on to strike a third vehicle – causing fatal injuries in the process. This is an example of when intoxication can “contribute” the death of another person without directly causing it.

Can a DUI Defense Attorney in Charlotte County Help Me With Manslaughter Charges? 

A DUI defense attorney in Charlotte County may be able to help defendants who face manslaughter charges. While the consequences of this crime are severe, they are not always guaranteed. It may be able to implement various defense strategies to mitigate or even eliminate penalties. To learn more about your legal options, speak with The Foley & Wilson Law Firm today.

Sources: 

winknews.com/2025/01/23/man-arrested-for-dui-manslaughter-following-fatal-el-jobean-bridge-crash/

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.193.html