Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Monday April 14, 28-year-old Sharlene Numa of Roosevelt, NY was arrested after causing a crash that resulted in the death of her passenger, 29-year-old Kendall Heard of Freeport. Numa was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the crash, and charged with DWI, manslaughter, and vehicular manslaughter according to CBS New York.
The accident occurred in southeast Queens just after 4 a.m. when Numa crashed the 2014 Infiniti she was driving into the rear of a 2012 Mercedes on the Belt Parkway. The Mercedes was being driven by an 18-year-old man who reportedly suffered only minor injuries. According to police, Numa’s Infiniti flipped in the vicinity of Brookville Blvd. and South Conduit Avenue. Heard, Numa’s passenger, was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
This is a sad story with a tragic ending, not only for the passenger who lost his life, but for the driver who now faces not only charges of driving while intoxicated, but manslaughter as well. Individuals who are convicted of DUI or driving under the influence in Michigan face criminal penalties which include steep fines, possible jail time, driver’s license suspension, community service, and more. For second-time or subsequent offenses, the penalties become even harsher. However, charges of vehicular manslaughter or manslaughter are far more serious.
In Michigan, individuals found guilty of vehicular manslaughter may face criminal penalties which include fines of up to $20,000 and a maximum prison term of 20 years. Accidents happen every day, sometimes resulting in death; however the person at fault is not typically charged with vehicular manslaughter unless that person is found to be driving recklessly or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Whether you have been arrested and charged with drunk driving, OWI, OUIL, or any drunk driving offense, or were involved in an accident while under the influence that resulted in the injury or death of someone else, contact a highly qualified Michigan DUI attorney at once. Your freedom, reputation, and future are at risk; you must take action to protect your legal rights and fight for the best possible outcome.