Gwinnett County Woman Accused of DUI in Fatal Car Wreck

Last week, a woman accused of driving under the influence, reckless driving, improper lane change, and vehicular homicide in Gwinnett County was granted bond. Amanda Parker allegedly caused a multi-car wreck on I-85 that lead to the death of Najee Clarke, a 24-year-old driver who had pulled onto the side of the highway around 6 am to change a flat tire. Investigators reported that Parker smelled of alcohol and though she remembered hitting a vehicle, Parker could not remember what happened. Parker was granted bond on the conditions that she goes directly to a rehabilitation center and will not have access to a car.

Vehicular Homicide in Gwinnett County

As a Gwinnett County DUI Lawyer, I frequently speak with those involved in similar accidents. In Georgia, it is against the law to "drive or be in actual physical control of any moving vehicle while under the influence of alcohol to the extent that it is less safe for the person to drive." O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391(a).

Georgia state lawmakers have passed strict laws that heavily punish all DUI offenders, even for a first offense. Whenever a serious accident or injury occurs while driving, the people involved will often have their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) tested. If a breath or blood test shows a driver's BAC was .08% or higher at the time of the accident, not only will he or she face DUI charges, but they will also likely face enhanced penalties for causing an accident and injuring another person.

When a fatal accident occurs because a driver was underlying the influence of alcohol, he or she stands to face several life-changing penalties upon conviction including license suspension, imprisonment, fines, mandatory alcohol education classes, community service, and restitution to the victim's family.

Vehicular homicide is a very serious crime that requires that assistance of a competent and knowledgeable attorney. An experienced lawyer will know how to proceed in defending you against these felony charges and be able to protect your rights. During the lawyers' investigation into your accident, they may find that you were not responsible for causing the accident but were blamed as the cause because you had an elevated BAC level. An accident reconstruction expert might be retained to determine the actual cause of the accident.

Practice Note

There are many problems that we can handle by ourselves – but adequate legal representation is not one of them. It is crucial that you contact an experienced Gwinnett County DUI Attorney when facing the charge of vehicular homicide in Gwinnett County.

Your vehicular homicide charge may have unique elements that you may not know how to handle on your own, and quickly retaining a lawyer will be of great benefit. The sooner, the better – before even speaking with any law enforcement personnel in an interrogation, it is critical that you speak with an attorney from the Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson. We answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will be happy to discuss your case with you today.