DUI is a common criminal offense in Georgia. This doesn’t mean it isn’t a serious one or one that shouldn’t be taken very seriously, just that it is charged on a daily basis by people across this state, very few of whom are dangerous criminals. A DUI can turn into something far more tragic when an accident occurs, however.
Point in case, 23 year old Macon man, Ian Andrew Nichols will serve 8 years in prison for a DUI accident that resulted in a death. Last May Nichols was driving under the influence when he was involved in an accident that killed 21 year old Brittney Higdon.
Nichols was found to be both under the influence of marijuana and had a blood alcohol level of .0122 according to this article from mySouthwestGA.com. In a plea agreement, Nichols pled guilty to vehicular homicide and was sentenced to 8 years in prison followed by 7 years probation.
When you get behind the wheel intoxicated, you have no way of knowing what will happen between point A and point B. If an accident occurs, you will pay the price and that price can be huge. Not only does Nichols have to deal with the reality of a lengthy prison sentence, he has to live with the death of Brittney Higdon on his conscious.
Even when an accident doesn’t occur, DUI is a serious charge. Your first DUI offense can bring 10 days to 1 year in jail. If convicted you will also face fines, community service, Risk Reduction program, and license suspension.
An accident or prior DUI convictions will only exacerbate this sentence and you could end up doing some serious time for getting behind the wheel in that state of mind.
When facing charges like this it is hard to look on the bright side of things. Having an experienced attorney on your side can help to ensure you get the treatment you deserve when you go to court. Call me today to discuss the charges against you and see how I can help.
Leave a Reply