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Facing criminal charges for an alleged DUI and fatal crash?

Houston & Alexander, PLLC • Jun 26, 2017

A lot of factors can contribute to a serious motor vehicle accident. Both drivers may have made mistakes on the road. There could be weather issues or even medical conditions that contribute to a crash. While they are tragic, fatal crashes happen every day around the country and here in Tennessee. Sometimes, drivers also face driving under the influence (DUI) charges in addition to charges stemming from damages and injuries caused in the accident. If there was a fatality and you are also charged with a DUI, you could be facing very steep penalties for the accident.

There are a number of things that could contribute to  false charges of a DUI after a crash. Perhaps you sustained a head injury that caused symptoms similar to intoxication. Slurred speech and problems with balance can result from head trauma. Similarly, other medical conditions, like undiagnosed diabetes, could result in symptoms that look a lot like alcohol intoxication. If you or someone you love has been involved in a fatal car crash that allegedly involved alcohol, you need to speak with an experienced Tennessee criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Vehicular homicide is a serious offense

Even a DUI on its own can wreak havoc on your life. A  first time DUI charge in Tennessee  carries at least two days but perhaps nearly a year in jail, as well as roughly $4,900 in fees, fines and penalties. You could even lose your license for a year. If you get accused of a DUI offense in a fatal car accident with a reported blood alcohol content of between 0.08 percent and 0.20 percent, those penalties become very steep. The courts call this offense vehicular homicide, and a conviction could result in loss of your license for between three and ten years, as well as a prison sentence of between eight and 30 years in jail.

For those was a BAC of 0.20 percent or greater, the charges get increased to Aggravated Vehicular Assault While Driving Intoxicated, which is a Class A felony. This offense carries between 15 and 60 years in prison, as well as a fine of as much as $50,000. Those with a lower BAC may also face Aggravated Vehicular Assault While Driving Intoxicated if they had two previous DUI or vehicular assault convictions on record. A previous vehicular homicide conviction will also result in increased charges.

An attorney can help develop a defense

Deciding to take a plea deal or speak with law enforcement without an attorney after a major crash is a mistake. You should ask for legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced Tennessee criminal defense attorney can help you determine what legal options are available after a serious fatal crash. Your lawyer will help explore medical issues or problems with the breath test that could have resulted in false positives, as well as other options for defense.

Violating Probation in Chattanooga

By Jeremy Shankman • 23 Jul, 2021
Violating Probation in Chattanooga: What Happens Next? There are very few good reasons for violating probation – and many compelling ones for following the terms of your probation to the letter. Even minor violations can result in severe consequences. In some circumstances, where an honest mistake was made or an emergency arose, [...] The post Violating Probation in Chattanooga appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.

Lasting Impacts of a DUI on Personal and Professional Life

By Houston & Alexander, PLLC • 04 Jun, 2021
Lasting Impacts of a DUI on Personal and Professional Life About 4000 people are arrested or charged for a DUI in the U.S every day. Driving under the influence is a common offense, despite the harsh legal consequences. A DUI conviction can lead to a ruthless sentence, which may include indefinite jail time, [...] The post Lasting Impacts of a DUI on Personal and Professional Life appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.

October/November 2020 Newsletter

By Houston & Alexander, PLLC • 04 Nov, 2020
The post October/November 2020 Newsletter appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.

10 Steps in The Federal Criminal Process

By Houston & Alexander, PLLC • 26 Oct, 2020
10 Major Steps in The Federal Criminal Process If you are charged with a serious crime, it is important to know your rights and options. If the crime is a federal offense, it’s equally important to understand how the federal criminal justice system operates. Most who find themselves accused are very unfamiliar [...] The post 10 Steps in The Federal Criminal Process appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.

Understand Tennessee Penalties for Drug Trafficking

By Houston & Alexander, PLLC • 26 May, 2020
A Guide to Drug Trafficking Charges & Penalties in Chattanooga Drug trafficking carries significant legal penalties in Tennessee, especially when the crime resulted in substantial profits. In some cases, drug sales may result in federal rather than state charges, which carry the possibility of longer prison sentences. Penalties for trafficking in Tennessee vary [...] The post Understand Tennessee Penalties for Drug Trafficking appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.

Know the Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

By Houston & Alexander, PLLC • 08 May, 2020
When our loved ones enter a nursing home, we trust their caregivers will help make their lives comfortable and happy in their later years. However, the National Institute of Health estimates that 10 percent of older people experience some form of abuse. Because the abuse of the elderly in nursing homes comes in many forms, the [...] The post Know the Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.

COVID-19 – Update from Houston & Alexander, PLLC

By Houston & Alexander, PLLC • 19 Mar, 2020
If you are concerned about coming to the office in-person because of the Coronavirus, we offer full consultations via phone, facetime, and skype. Despite what you may have heard, the police departments and the courts have certainly not shut down. Courts have modified their procedures regarding in-court appearances, filings, bond matters, etc. If you [...] The post COVID-19 – Update from Houston & Alexander, PLLC appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.

What constitutes domestic violence in Tennessee?

By Houston & Alexander, PLLC • 03 Feb, 2020
The occurrence of domestic violence is, unfortunately, a common issue across the United States and in Tennessee. Many victims of domestic violence suffer for a prolonged period because they feel trapped in their situation and are fearful about reporting the incidents to the police. While domestic violence is a serious issue, it is also [...] The post What constitutes domestic violence in Tennessee? appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.

The holidays can make it all too easy to violate your probation

By Houston & Alexander, PLLC • 06 Dec, 2019
If you have faced criminal charges in the last few years and are currently on probation, you may have more reason than most to celebrate during the holiday season. After all, there may have been a time where you were at risk of losing your freedom. That tends to make people grateful for the life [...] The post The holidays can make it all too easy to violate your probation appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.

How does a tragic accident become reckless homicide in Tennessee?

By Houston & Alexander, PLLC • 11 Oct, 2019
Accidents by their very nature are unpredictable occurrences. There may not have been anything an individual involved in an accident could have done to prevent it. An accident could involve something like your tires slipping on wet leaves despite you driving at lower speeds because of road conditions or someone losing their balance while walking [...] The post How does a tragic accident become reckless homicide in Tennessee? appeared first on Houston & Alexander PLLC.
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