Many people are under the belief that even if they have only had a few drinks, they can drive without any problems. However, it has been noted that about 45 people each day are killed as a result of a drunk-driving accident. While some drunk-driving accidents result in no injury or only minor injuries, many lead to catastrophic injuries and even death. If you are involved in an accident in Alameda, California, and are charged with driving under the influence (DUI), you could possibly be incarcerated for up to ten or more years. Potential jail time for DUI with accident involvement includes:
- up to one year in a state prison (for Misdemeanor DUI with Accident and Injury)
- up to three years in state prison plus an additional one year for each additional person injured (for Felony DUI with Accident and Injury)
- an additional three years in state prison added to either of the above for a total of six years incarceration (for Felony DUI with Accident Causing Great Bodily Injury)
- up to four years in a state prison (for Vehicular Manslaughter)
- up to ten years in a state prison (for Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence).
DUI with Accident Reconstruction
DUI with accident involvement cases require sophisticated defense strategies, including accident reconstruction. Time is of the essence when a DUI case involves an accident and it is important that the accident scene be examined by a professional accident reconstruction specialist as soon as possible. Thus, individuals charged with DUI who are involved in accidents in Alameda should consult with an experienced Alameda DUI attorney as soon as possible.
Critical evidence such as skid marks will disappear soon after accidents occur. An experienced Alameda DUI attorney will have an accident reconstruction specialist on hand who can go out to the scene in order to preserve the evidence. The specialist will take detailed measurements of the accident scene and reconstruct the accident in order to determine who exactly was at fault. By having a specialist reconstruct the accident, it can be established that the DUI defendant did not cause the accident.
Because of the rise in drunk-driving related accidents, California courts have taken a hard stance on drunk-drivers who have accident involvement. Even if this is your first DUI offense, you face serious consequences. If the accident resulted in the wrongful death of another individual, you may be charged with vehicular manslaughter. It is important that you contact a skilled Alameda DUI attorney as quickly as possible.
At the Alameda DUI Law Firm, we have been helping individuals charged with DUI and accident involvement for years. We have a vast amount of legal resources at our disposal and utilize only the services of the best accident reconstruction specialists. Even though you may have been involved in an accident in which another person is injured, that does not necessarily mean you will be found at fault for the accident. As highly-skilled Alameda DUI attorneys, we have the legal expertise you need! Contact us today for a free Alameda DUI case evaluation and put our experience to work for you!
