The Umansky Law Firm

A 23-year-old Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student was sentenced to jail and probation on Wednesday for an accident that killed his 20-year-old friend. In addition, the judge sentenced him to speak to high school students about his mistake nine times a year for the next five years.

The young Daytona Beach man was driving north on I-95 with his friend just after 11 pm on May 28, 2009 when he hit a guard rail. His friend was ejected and killed. The man was charged with DUI when his blood alcohol content was found to be 0.106 and over the 0.08 limit.

While he could have faced as many as 15 years in prison if convicted, he was instead placed on probation for 15 years. His drivers' license was revoked for life and he must spend the first 270 days of his sentence in Volusia County Branch Jail. His sentence could have been much worse, but the parents of his friend who died, the prosecutor, and his defense lawyer reached an agreement.

This is the worst kind of mistake you can make if you drink and drive. Killing another person is always a threat when you choose to get behind the wheel after drinking. Spending the next decade behind bars to think about it is just one of the many consequences that can happen. This young man is lucky. His friend's parents did not want him to go to prison, but instead want him to honor their only son's life.

We don't want to see good people who make one mistake wind up in prison, broken for life. We believe in second chances and that you can learn from your mistake. The experienced defense attorneys at the Umanksy Law Firm work hard to make sure you get that second chance.

If you have been charged with DUI in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm today. We offer a free initial case consultation.