A Florida man already on federal probation for trafficking methamphetamine has more legal woes since an arrest for child neglect and driving under the influence. The sheriff’s office says the pickup truck the man was driving collided head-on with a Chevrolet van. The 35-year-old driver of the Chevrolet van died in the accident.
Police allege the driver of the at-fault vehicle was DUI at the time of the accident. A 10-year-old child was in the car with him when the accident took place. Neither the driver of the at-fault vehicle or the child was wearing a seatbelt.
Officers who spoke with the at-fault driver immediately after the crash say they smelled marijuana on the driver. The officers also report seeing evidence in the driver’s actions that suggested he was impaired.
The affidavit filed by prosecutors mentioned the odor of marijuana on the driver’s breath and body, watery and bloodshot eyes, trouble maintaining balance while walking, and the swaying of the man’s body as he attempted to stand as evidence the driver was impaired at the time of the accident. The driver also showed signs of confusion while recounting for police officers the circumstances that led up to the accident.
The complete list of charges against the at-fault driver includes:
- Child neglect
- DUI Manslaughter
- DUI resulting in property damage
Driving under the influence of alcohol or another controlled substance is a serious offense that becomes much more serious when someone is injured or killed during the incident. Defendants who face these types of charges will need to mount a strong defense for themselves to minimize the potential impact the accusations they face can have on their lives. Individuals facing DUI with extenuating circumstances may help their cause by reaching out to an experienced DUI attorney.