12 Year Prison Sentence in Miami DUI Hit and Run

A man described as an "aspiring pop singer" was sentenced this month in Miami to 12 years in prison for the DUI death of a bicyclist. The incident occurred in 2010 on the Rickenbacker Causeway where the singer, C. B., hit the bicyclist and then continued driving for another three miles with the bicycle smashed into the underside of his car. The bicyclist died at the scene. When C. B. was stopped by police, he was subjected to a forcibly drawn blood test which showed that his blood alcohol concentration was well over the legal limit of .08 percent. He was charged with DUI manslaughter, among other charges. He faced a potential maximum sentence of 35 years in prison.

In an effort to prevent those who leave the scene of an accident to avoid being chemically tested for alcohol and / or drugs, backers of a new bill in the state hope to get the "Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act" passed. This bill would increase the minimum sentence for Florida hit and run to three years for leaving the scene of an injury accident, seven years for leaving the scene of an accident causing serious bodily injury, and 10 years for leaving the scene of an accident in which someone has died. The bill would also create a three-year license suspension for violators who would be required to complete a driver education course. The bill was proposed after a bicyclist was killed by a driver who left the scene so that he could avoid a chemical test which might have resulted in DUI charges. The driver in that case was sentenced to less than a year in jail as a result. The bill would rectify current law which does not have a minimum sentence for hit and run in the state.

Criminal Defense Firm in Miami, Florida

DUI is a serious criminal offense, especially when it involves the injury or death of another. It is even more serious when the defendant is accused of hit and run. Those who are charged with DUI face an array of penalties from incarceration to fines, probation, license suspension, and more. In such cases, the service of a qualified defense attorney is essential, who can review, investigate, and devise a strategy to help achieve the best possible case result.

In any criminal case, the results will be influenced by the quality and dedication of the attorney who defends you. That is why you will want someone who has a reputation for being competent and thorough. That is what you will find at Seltzer Law, P.A. serving the Miami area. Attorney David Seltzer has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star, has received Avvo's Clients' Choice Award for 2012, and has earned a 9.2 out of 10 "Superb" rating by Avvo. These recognitions reflect the high level of his professionalism when it comes to defending his clients accused of all types of crimes, from DUI to drug crimes, theft crimes, sex crimes, white collar crimes, violent crimes and more, whether at the state or federal level. Contact the firm to schedule a consultation concerning your criminal case as soon as possible.