Wilmington Island DUI Manslaughter Attorney

Understanding DUI Manslaughter Charges in Georgia

When drunk driving results in a death, it is a very serious criminal offense. Prosecutors in Chatham County take these cases very seriously. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-393), causing a fatality while driving under the influence is a felony homicide by vehicle in the first degree. The State must prove two core elements to get a conviction in this type of case: 

1. The defendant was legally impaired under Georgia law; 
2. His or her impairment caused or materially contributed to the crash that resulted in death. 

To be clear, causation is often the central issue. Prosecutors use toxicology reports, accident reconstruction evidence, and expert testimony to establish the link between impairment and the fatal outcome. The penalties are severe. A first-degree homicide-by-vehicle conviction carries three to fifteen years in state prison per deceased victim. 

How DUI Manslaughter Defense Lawyer Jarrett Maillet Can Help

Arrested for a felony DUI manslaughter in Wilmington Island? You need a top attorney.  Our founder, Jarrett Maillet, is a strong, professional, and trustworthy advocate for defendants. We are proud to provide proactive advocacy to clients. You can trust our team even if you are facing the most serious of DUI charges. Among other things, our Wilmington Island DUI manslaughter defense lawyer will: 

• Listen to your story and answer questions about your case; 
• Investigate your DUI charges, gathering relevant evidence for a defense; 
• Represent you before police officers and prosecutors; and
• Develop a comprehensive defense strategy focused on protecting your rights. 

DUI Manslaughter Charges in Georgia: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is DUI Manslaughter under Georgia law?

Technically, that is not what the charge is called. Georgia does not use the term “DUI manslaughter” in the statute. Instead, the charge is prosecuted as Homicide by Vehicle in the First Degree when a death occurs during a DUI. It is governed by O.C.G.A. § 40-6-393. The offense is a felony, and the prosecution must prove both the DUI and the causal connection to the death. A conviction carries very serious criminal penalties. State prison time is a certainty. 

Will I go to prison if I am charged with DUI Manslaughter?

A charge is an allegation, not a conviction. You have the right to raise a strong, zealous defense. With that being said, prison time is a real possibility because the charge is a felony with a mandatory minimum sentence. The exact outcome depends on the facts of the crash, your prior DUI history, and the strength of the state’s evidence. Some cases allow for negotiation, but courts treat fatal DUI cases very seriously. You need a top-rated Wilmington Island, GA DUI manslaughter defense attorney on your side. 

Can I get bail if I am charged with DUI manslaughter in Georgia?

Yes, bail is possible, but judges review these cases very carefully because a death occurred. Courts look at your history, ties to the community, prior DUIs, and the facts of the crash. You should expect strict conditions if bail is granted. A Wilmington Island, GA felony DUI defense lawyer can present evidence to help secure release while the case is pending.

Should I take a plea agreement in a DUI manslaughter case in Wilmington Island?

It depends. A plea agreement could absolutely be the right outcome for your specific situation. However, that is not always the case. You may be better off raising an aggressive defense. Do not go it alone. A top-rated Wilmington Island DUI manslaughter defense attorney can help. 

Contact Our Wilmington Island, GA DUI Manslaughter Defense Lawyer Today

At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., our Wilmington Island DUI manslaughter defense attorney is a strong advocate for justice. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter, we are here to help. Contact us today at 912-713-3426 to set up your completely confidential, no obligation initial consultation. We defend DUI manslaughter charges in Wilmington Island, Chatham County, and throughout the broader region in Georgia.