Man Pleads Guilty to DUI Manslaughter in Emotional Court Appearance

C.B. has been charged with DUI manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident, fleeing and eluding authorities and resisting arrest without violence. He pled guilty in a Miami-Dade court hearing this week to all charges except for leaving the scene of an accident. He did so without any plea bargain. C.B. has been imprisoned since the accident occurred in January three years ago. Reports say the 32-year-old man was driving his silver sedan on a roadway that had a bike lane where the victim was riding his bicycle. C.B. allegedly swerved out of his lane and hit the 44-year-old cyclist from behind around 8:00 in the morning, inflicting fatal injuries. C.B. then left the scene with the victim's bicycle lodged underneath his car. Police caught up to C.B. and pulled him over about three miles away from the accident location. His blood alcohol concentration was allegedly 0.122 percent. Talk to a criminal defense lawyer now if you have been charged with a crime such as manslaughter or any other offense.

Defendant Could Receive Severe Penalties

C.B.'s guilty plea means he could be sentenced to extensive prison time for DUI manslaughter and other charges. The family of the cyclist flew in from France to be at the hearing and C.B. took the opportunity to make an emotional statement of apology to the family. His next court date is in early May where he could be sentenced anywhere from 11 ½ to 35 years in prison if the leaving the scene of a fatal accident charge holds. The state of Florida recognizes three types of manslaughter offenses which while they are considered criminal acts, they are separated from murder charges because the death of an individual in the incident is considered to have occurred accidentally without "malice aforethought". DUI manslaughter comes under the involuntary manslaughter class since the fatality is considered to be a tragic accident that occurred because of the defendant's alleged recklessness. Regardless of the specific circumstances, you should have a professional on your side defending your rights.

Criminal Defense Attorney for Manslaughter Charges

When you or a loved one has been charged with a serious offense such as manslaughter then you need experienced legal representation that you can count on. Our team at Parks & Braxton, PA has nearly 50 years of combined experience handling serious criminal cases such as manslaughter which is a second degree felony. Contact our law offices today to speak with a skilled defense lawyer about your case. We may be able to help you avoid harsh imprisonment and other penalties.