Unusual Causes of DUI Manslaughter

Many people think that DUI involves being under the influence of alcohol while driving but there are many other substances that can also be in a person's system that can get them arrested for DUI. Any substance that can impair one's ability to drive whether it is alcohol, an illegal, over the counter, or prescription drug, targets you for being charged with DUI. When someone is killed, the charge becomes DUI manslaughter which is far more serious, for a life or lives have been lost. Following are few examples of what can happen when one is impaired.

A Few Unusual Examples

Last November, a 25 year old Osceola woman was charged with DUI manslaughter for the death of a 57-year-old woman, Martha Ann Cordell Jones. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver, Jeri Bollinger, already had served time in jail for violating probation and a blood test showed that she was under the influence of Alprazolam, also known as Xanax, when she caused the accident in February, 2010. Xanax is a prescription drug that is prescribed for anxiety and panic attacks. A few of the known side effects include drowsiness and inability to concentrate. Many prescription drugs can impair driving ability and people need to take this into account before getting behind the wheel.

In September of last year, Demetrius Jordan killed a father and his three sons when he ran a red light in St. Petersburg. According to police, Jordan had been drinking Four Loko, a popular alcoholic energy drink that contains 12 % alcohol. The can was found on the seat in the wreckage of his Chevrolet Impala in the accident investigation.

A DUI Attorney Can Help

If you have been charged with DUI or DUI manslaughter in the Fort Lauderdale area, you need to contact an experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney as soon as possible. At Parks & Braxton, PA, we have been representing clients for DUI charges for many years and are skilled in defending these cases. We can challenge the charges being brought against you with the goal of obtaining the best possible outcome for you. We do offer free consultations regardless of how complex your case may be.

Contact a Fort Lauderdale DUI manslaughter lawyer in our office to set up a consultation and we will go over the details of your case.