Illinois DUI Accidents Involving Fatalities May Lead to Additional Charges

 Posted on May 18, 2016 in DUI

When driving under the influence and involved in a crash, DUI charges may be the least of your worries. If, for example, someone is killed or injured during the accident, you could very well face additional charges. In extreme cases, those added charges could lead to long-term imprisonment. One young man recently learned this after an accident that caused the death of three Illinois residents.   

Three Deaths Lead to Numerous Charges

According to KFVS News 12, the accident happened on Father’s Day, 2015. The young man, who was under the age of 21 at the time, was allegedly drunk and driving the wrong way down Interstate 75 in Atlanta. His car reportedly hit the other one head-on. Three were killed – two of which were children – and one child was paralyzed and allegedly might never walk again.

Arrested after the accident, the man faced a number of criminal charges, including six counts of first degree homicide by a vehicle, possession of alcohol by a minor, driving under the influence of alcohol under the age of 21, driving on the wrong side of the road, possession of an open container, and driving while license was suspended or revoked. He recently pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to 75 years in prison. He must serve at least 50 years before he can become eligible for parole.

Why Deadly Accidents Carry Heavier Penalties

Over the years, the penalties for all DUI charges have increased. In most cases, they are designed to deter drivers from re-offending. If, however, someone else is killed in a drunk driving accident, the intoxicated driver faces other charges that reflect what is considered to be willful disregard for the life of others. In some cases, these penalties can be extremely severe and are usually added to whatever DUI charges the driver may have faced without the death. The end result can be a crippling prison sentence.

Protecting Your Rights After a DUI Arrest

During and immediately after an accident, those arrested on DUI charges may experience a number of injustices, including coercion, intimidation, and even outright mishandling or misrepresentation of facts or evidence. Refusing to test can also lead to charges, even if the driver was not intoxicated at the time of arrest. For these reasons, and more, those arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence should seek skilled legal representation.

Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law, is well-versed and knowledgeable when it comes to the tactics used by law enforcement. And, because he knows that even alcohol measurement tests have flaws, he is not deterred by their results. Committed to protecting your rights, regardless of the situation, our Arlington, Illinois DUI attorney will work hard to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Schedule your free initial consultation and get the representation you deserve. Call 847-253-3400 today.

Sources:

http://www.kfvs12.com/story/31664194/man-sentenced-to-prison-after-dui-crash-kills-3-benton-il-residents

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a292.pdf