The Sun Sentinel reports on a case involving a pregnant woman who killed another pregnant woman back in 2012 while driving under the influence. The 37-year-old suspect pleaded guilty to two counts of DUI manslaughter for causing the deaths of a 26-year-old female and her unborn son when she got behind the wheel one Sunday afternoon and crashed into a poolside cabana in Fort Lauderdale. The victim and her husband were in Florida for a two-day marriage conference, and she was seven-months pregnant with her first child at the time of the accident.
The victim’s husband was in the restroom several feet away when the defendant’s vehicle jumped the curb and plowed into the cabana. He sustained minor injuries from the crash. Late last month, the defendant stood before a judge, five-months pregnant, for her sentencing hearing, which lasted more than four hours.
The victim was a schoolteacher and had been active in her community’s Students Against Drunk Driving campaign. Family members claim she longed to be a mother, and she avoided alcohol, even going so far as leaving her last New Year’s Eve party several hours early to minimize the chances of getting into an accident with a drunk driver.
At the time of the crash in Fort Lauderdale, the defendant’s blood alcohol content was 0.24, more than three times the legal limit. She took the stand to apologize to the victim’s family at the hearing.
The victim’s family condemned the defendant’s pregnancy and claimed it was merely a ploy to gain sympathy. The Assistant State Attorney called it manipulative before asking the judge to impose a 20-year sentence. The defense lawyer sought a lesser term: the four-year minimum as allowed by law.
The circuit judge decided on a 15-year term followed by 15 years of probation, a permanent license revocation and 50 hours of community service annually. The defendant’s sentencing will begin immediately, and doctors have scheduled her to deliver her baby via Cesarean section in May after which family members will get custody of the child while she serves her time.
Don’t Wait to Speak with a Criminal Lawyer
Though not all DUI cases are as serious as the one above, you should never take criminal charges lightly. If you need a qualified criminal attorney in Fort Lauderdale, don’t wait. Call Leader & Leader P.A. today at 954-523-2020 to schedule an initial consultation, and read on for another DUI case making headlines in Florida.
Suspect Accused in DUI Death Allowed Free on $102,000 Bail
The Sun Sentinel reports on a drunk driving accident that occurred last month and resulted in the death of one woman. According to police, a 56-year-old man was allegedly driving drunk when he struck a 41-year-old woman who was waiting for the bus. The driver then fled the scene.
He had received a prior DUI conviction in 2005, which also involved fleeing the scene. The county judge was aware of the man’s prior conviction and set him free on a $102,000 bond. The defendant pleaded not guilty, and his next court date will be in April.
If You’re in Trouble, Don’t Wait
At Leader & Leader P.A., we have extensive experience in criminal law. Don’t take your charges lightly—call us today at 954-523-2020, and let us know what we can do for you.
