Impaired Florida Driver Faces Up to 26 Years In Connection With Fatal Auto Accident

A man convicted of causing a fatal auto accident while driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is expected to receive a harsh sentence in an upcoming hearing in his case. He caused an Orange County accident in 2009 that killed a two-year-old girl whose family was on their way to Walt Disney World when the man, who was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, collided with their car. Prosecutors recently asked the judge hearing the case to sentence the man to the maximum 26 years in prison for causing the accident, but the defendant’s legal team requested a presentence investigation to postpone the judge’s decision.

The convicted DUI driver and his legal team are actively trying to avoid a lengthy prison sentence. The man told the court that he hopes to remain out of prison so he can become a spokesman against driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. His defense called for his psychological counselor to speak during the sentencing hearing, who said that his patient is a broken man after causing the deadly accident. The counselor, as well as the man’s priest and brother asked the judge for mercy while he considered the sentence.

"One might make the case that John made a conscious decision to drive the car that fateful night, but the fact is my brother did not make that decision on his own. The decision was aided by substance and sickness," said the man’s brother.

The judge is unlikely to let this testimony influence his sentencing decision, as this is the driver’s second DUI conviction. The sentencing has been scheduled for sometime this fall.

Orlando personal injury attorney James O. Cunningham has seen many convicted drunk and drugged drivers express remorse for their actions over the years. There is little doubt that they do wish they could undo the deaths and injuries they cause while driving under the influence, but that does not absolve them of the negligence that killed and injured people. If you have been injured or lost a close family member due to an impaired driver, you have a right to seek a variety of damages against them. For more information about your rights and a thorough explanation of your legal options, call Mr. Cunningham today at 386-243-4994 to get an experienced Orlando drunk driving accident lawyer on your side.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.