Michigan Mom Accused of DUI-Homicide for Death of Daughter | Oakland County Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer

Last year, a tragic accident took the life of a four-year-old girl. In recent news, the mother of that girl is on trial for her freedom in a case that alleges she was driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. According to a report by the Detroit Free Press, the prosecution is alleging that the mother’s blood-alcohol content was nearly three times the legal limit and that she had several prescription drugs in her system.

Evidently, the fatal accident took place on Interstate 96 in the early afternoon back in September 2013. The girl’s mother was driving an SUV on westbound I-96 when the vehicle left the ramp and headed onto eastbound I-96, where it collided with several cars before coming to a final rest in the median. It is unclear whether the four-year-old girl was properly secured in a car seat at the time of the accident.

The first people on the scene were the occupants of one of the cars that was hit by the errant SUV. One of the occupants testified at the woman’s trial that he did not recall her smelling like alcohol at the time, but that he wasn’t necessarily paying attention to whether alcohol was involved, given the gravity of the situation.

Prosecutors are charging the woman with second-degree murder and drunken driving causing death. If convicted, the woman faces a significant jail sentence. The second-degree murder charge carries with it a maximum of life imprisonment, and the drunken driving resulting in death charge can result in up to 15 years imprisonment.

Drunk Driving Cases in Michigan

Drunk driving cases are taken especially seriously in Michigan courts, especially when there is an accident or serious injury involved. In some cases, as discussed above, a person charged with drunk driving can face a life sentence if another person was killed in the accident.

Like all criminal offenses, however, the defendant is presumed innocent, and the prosecution must prove its case against the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. That is why it is imperative that if you are facing any DUI charge in Michigan that you secure the assistance of a dedicated DUI attorney to help you fight for your freedom.

Even in cases where it seems like there is little that can be done in your defense, it is still important to hold the prosecution to task and make it prove every element of the offense it has charged you with.

Have You Been Charged With a Michigan DUI?

If you have recently been charged with a DUI offense in Michigan, you should seek the counsel of a dedicated and experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The sooner your attorney is able to get to work on your case, the stronger a defense he can mount. Call the Law Offices of Steven Schwartz at (240) 930-5019 to set up a free consultation to discuss your case today.

More Articles

• Previously Convicted Michigan Sex Offender Allegedly Exposes Himself to a 14-Year-Old Boy, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published October 15, 2014.
• Michigan Man Crashes into “Drive Sober” Sign, Arrested for Driving Under the Influence, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published September 30, 2014.