Hit and Run DUI Leaves Phoenix Man Dead

Phoenix police recently arrested a man that was accused of fatally injuring a pedestrian while driving under the influence of alcohol. A police spokesman, Stephen Martos, said that 66-year-old Vernon Traylor was driving southbound down Phoenix Street in his Ford Mustang. At around 9 p.m. he collided with a pedestrian, 53-year-old Ruben Jimenez Solis and drove away from the scene. Solis was taken to the hospital where he quickly succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. Traylor was found to be intoxicated and booked into a cell at Maricopa County jail on charges of DUI and leaving the scene of a crime. Prosecutors may choose to charge Traylor with manslaughter.

High DUI Rates Lead to Tough Penalties

Arizona has suffered from the problems that come with drinking and driving and has one of the highest road fatality rates in the United States. In 2013, Arizona police arrested 31,000 people with DUI charges, and there were 1,288 fatalities involving road accidents. The fatality rate per 100 million people for drunk driving accidents is 46 percent above the US average.

Under Arizona law, you can be charged for manslaughter under several circumstances. If you recklessly caused another person’s death or committed second degree murder in an act of anger or passion due to somebody provoking you is manslaughter. Intentionally aiding a person’s suicide is also considered a form of manslaughter.  Finally, some DUI accidents are charged as manslaughter.

Manslaughter is considered a Class 2 felony, so you could be sentenced to between seven and 21 years for this crime. It is a serious offense, so if you are ever involved in a situation in which manslaughter charges are possible, it is imperative that you retain a lawyer who has the knowledge to defend you.

The Law Offices of Alex Lane can help. Alex Lane understands that standing accused of manslaughter is a difficult and emotional time for you, so you can turn over the problem to a competent attorney and capitalize on his years of experience with the justice system. Alex Lane worked as a prosecutor at the Vehicular Crimes Bureau of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and has dealt with many serious DUI cases in the past. This makes him the perfect man to help build your defence. He has a large connection of defence attorneys that can help build a strong case. See the website at http://www.alexlanelaw.com/ and register for your free consultation today.