Suspect Arrested for DUI and Hit and Run after Fatal Accident

Police arrested a man suspected of driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a fatal accident involving two pedestrians. The accident happened around 5:00 pm when witnesses say a large pickup truck traveling east on Sahara suddenly turn right onto Valley View. The truck turned into oncoming northbound traffic and then swerved onto the sidewalk to avoid a vehicle. The truck hit two pedestrians and then left the scene. A 52-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man were struck when the vehicle went up onto the sidewalk. Both were taken by ambulances to medical facilities. The woman was pronounced dead at the hospital.

About two and a half miles away, police located and pulled over a vehicle matching the description of the truck involved in the pedestrian accident. The driver, J.M., was arrested by the officers on suspicion of leaving the scene of a fatal accident and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Make sure you have a defense lawyer who knows how to handle DUI cases if you have been arrested after an accident involving DUI charges.

DUI Charges Can Mean Severe Penalties

Authorities in Las Vegas aggressively pursue anyone suspected of driving under the influence. While efforts to avoid accidents, injuries and fatalities are duly applauded, that does not mean that individual rights and proper police procedures should be ignored. A DUI conviction can result in harsh penalties such as long imprisonment terms and thousands in fines. Additionally, you can lose your driving license and be required to participate in substance abuse counseling. The stakes are especially high in cases involving an alleged DUI resulting in injury accidents or fatalities. DUI causing death is a category B felony and punishment can include up to 20 years in state prison and $5,000 in fines.

An attorney on our team at the De Castroverde Law Group has helped clients avoid a conviction for harsh DUI charges. We are very knowledgeable in DUI law and are skilled in developing a defense strategy for each individual client. These charges can have very negative impacts to both your personal and professional life so it is crucial that you begin working with a defense lawyer immediately. It may be possible to get the DUI charges you are faced with reduced or dropped altogether. Please contact us to arrange a time to talk about your specific case and what we may be able to do in your defense.