Athens, Alabama Man Arrested for DUI Following Fatal Accident

On Saturday, May 31, a 73-year-old Athens, Alabama man was killed in an accident that occurred less than a half-mile from his home when he was struck by 49-year-old Rickey Wade Adams. Authorities say that while he was not thrown from his vehicle, the victim was not wearing a seat belt.

The victim, Harvey Moore, was driving his car in an eastward direction on New Garden Road when the Ford pickup truck being driven by Adams crashed into him, according to a news report at The News Courier. The accident took place at approximately 5 p.m. Moore was pronounced dead at the scene. While the crash is still under investigation, Adams has been charged with driving under the influence.

Investigators would not release Adam’s BAC (blood alcohol content), according to public information officer Sgt. Steve Jarrett of the state’s Department of Public Safety. Jarrett said, “The BAC will be part of the investigation, which is ongoing and not public record per state law.” It could also be that at some point, district attorneys decide to file murder charges against Adams and dismiss the DUI charge, according to Jarrett.

In Michigan, a first DUI offense is charged as a misdemeanor when no bodily injury, death, or property damage is involved. A simple DUI conviction will leave the defendant facing penalties that include up to 93 days in jail, driver’s license suspension, and fines of up to $500. However, when someone is seriously injured or loses his or her life in an accident in which the other driver was intoxicated, the consequences become much more serious.

OUIL (Operating Under the Influence of Liquor) causing death or manslaughter in the state of Michigan will leave those charged facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Should the victim be an emergency or highway worker, the penalty increases to up to 20 years behind bars. In addition, prosecutors may decide to charge the accused individual with murder which could result in life in prison if convicted.

Any DUI charge is serious, as those who are arrested or charged face not only steep fines, license suspension, and possible loss of their freedom, but damage to their reputation and career as well. A criminal record will have a negative affect on various aspects of the defendant’s life, including employment opportunities.

Protect your legal rights and freedom by consulting with a skilled and aggressive Michigan DUI defense attorney who will work to secure positive results.

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