The
Miami Herald reports that a 19-year old man will soon learn his punishment after he
pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter and other charges in a crash which
killed a 45-year-old man.
On the day the young man's jury trial was to begin, he entered a guilty
plea. This was an open plea to the court without an offer from the State.
The teen is scheduled to be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. on January 27, 2011.
Under Florida's state sentencing guidelines, he faces a minimum of
nearly 14 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years, although his
Miami-Dade County criminal defense attorney can request to sentence the young man below his guidelines. This is called a
downward departure.
DUI manslaughter is a serious charge with harsh
mandatory minimum penalties.
Don't plead guilty without first consulting with a criminal lawyer.
I represent clients in Miami-Dade and Broward. If you or a loved one are
facing DUI manslaughter charges,
call me to discuss your case.