Two People Killed in Suspected DUI Crash

Two people were killed after being hit by a suspected drunk driver in Clearwater, Florida according to an article at www.news4jax.com. Local police said the alleged drunk driver made a left turn in front of a motorcycle ridden by two people, both of whom died as a result of the accident.

The suspected drunk driver was arrested on two counts of DUI manslaughter. In Florida, the crime of DUI carries significantly greater penalties when a person dies as a result. DUI manslaughter can be a first or second degree felony depending on the facts of the case. Those people in Florida convicted of DUI manslaughter face up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine along with a permanent driver’s license revocation, although there is the possibility of obtaining a hardship driver’s license after five years (if no prior DUI convictions). If a person kills someone while driving drunk and leaves the scene of the accident, he/she can be charged with a first degree felony and may face up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.