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Driving under the influence is never a good idea, and it can go from bad to much worse when a fatal accident occurs. While it is something that no one wants to think about, these unpleasant events are happening regularly. Statistics show that intoxicated drivers from Newport Beach make up 30% of the total DUI arrests in California. Getting behind the wheel while under the influence can lead to dramatic and devastating consequences, as two people from Newport Beach discovered last June. Different circumstances can create a situation where the worst can happen, further exacerbated if you have been drinking or consuming intoxicating substances.
An elderly man was jogging against the direction of traffic in a bike lane on Pacific Coast Highway, rather than on the sidewalk. While under the influence of alcohol and prescription medicine, a 23-year old driver unknowingly struck the man. Although impaired, upon realizing he had hit a pedestrian, the driver rushed to the victim’s side and called for assistance to the scene. In recognition of the severity of his actions and the role they played in the events leading up to this tragic accident, the driver enrolled in a rehabilitation program. The driver recently pled guilty to vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated (without gross negligence), as well as additional charges of inflicting great bodily harm, driving under the influence with injury, and a possession charge for a small amount of marijuana.
Incredibly distraught, the driver demonstrated honesty and significant remorse while involved with the case. Sentenced to a court-ordered rehabilitation program and one year of jail time, the driver expressed deep sympathy for the victim and his family and rejected the use of custody credits. The victim’s family lost a dear relative, and the driver is currently seeking therapy and mental health treatment.
If you have been involved in a DUI collision, you have the right to a defense attorney. While the golden rule is to never drive while intoxicated, statistics show that DUI incidents are common in Newport Beach. These incidents are unfortunate, but they are unintentional accidents, and you have a right to proper legal defense in court. Your honesty, compliance, and willingness to change will play a part in your defense, combined with the expert advice of a DUI lawyer. Your attorney will work with you and obtain evidence that will provide the court with a balanced perspective on the scenario. This will help determine a fair sentence or possibly a plea bargain in relation to your DUI crash.
When you’re facing criminal charges, you need to seek legal help right away to ensure you are given a fair trial and sentence. After your DUI collision, contact a qualified professional that specializes in this type of case. Call (844) 241-1221 to obtain a free case evaluation from DUI defense lawyer Randy Collins today and find out how his experience as a district attorney has helped him become a top-notch defense lawyer.
