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    DRUNK DRIVING CAUSING DEATH

    If you or a family member are charged with death of somebody resulting from drinking and driving, I already know the sorrow and emotional strain you are experiencing.  I have handled some of the most difficult drunk driving death cases throughout the State of Michigan and I know how difficult these cases are for everybody involved.

    UNDERSTANDING THE DRUNK DRIVING CAUSING DEATH CHARGE

    These cases will touch you like no other.  First, somebody has died, which creates a situation where family and friends of the deceased want you or your loved one in prison forever.  Second, society looks at drunk driving causing death as one of the worst types of felonies, a needless and senseless death.  Third, a lengthy prison sentence is a virtual guarantee in these cases.

    DEFENSES TO DRUNK DRIVING CAUSING DEATH

    All of the normal defenses that are applicable to regular drunk driving OWI DUI OUIL cases are usable here.  However, in addition, death cases involving driving under the influence also have elements regarding causality which normally will take center stage in a trial.  Your drunk driving causing death criminal lawyer needs to understand these concepts like the back of their hand as major changes in Michigan law have taken place regarding the causality elements of drunk driving death charges.  Knowing the elements is crucial to creating a sound defense strategy.

    POSSIBLE SENTENCES

    Drunk driving causing death carries with it a possible 15 year prison sentence.  Viewing somebody’s sentencing guidelines, even if they have no other criminal history, their likelihood of prison is extremely strong.  As a guidepost, I once had a week-long trial in a drunk driving death case where at the end, the Judge sentenced my client to two years, which was two years below the bottom of his sentencing guidelines score.  In another case, I negotiated a plea where my client was alleged to have hit and killed somebody while intoxicated and was arrested at a car wash a short time later.  He received 5 years incarceration, even though there was extreme pressure from the community and family to give him 10 years, or a second degree murder charge.

    THESE CASES REQUIRE EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING OF DRUNK DRIVING LAWS

    Because of the possibility of second degree murder charges, as well as the prison time associated with a drunk driving causing death conviction, you need to have somebody who has extensive experience litigating these types of cases.  I have had trials, filed major motions, and worked out amazing deals for my clients in these very tricky and difficult cases.   If you or a family member or friend has been charged with drunk driving causing death, call me for a consultation as one page on my website does not do justice for the complexity and difficulties of handling and winning these types of cases.