Being convicted of an alcohol related offense in Tennessee such as DUI or vehicular homicide means that the offender will face some of the most severe penalties in the country. A Bristol man could be sentenced to jail since, as of Jan. 1, probation is no longer an option if convicted of vehicular homicide in the the state. This new law means that is more important than ever to secure experienced criminal counsel who can aggressively defend  those facing these charges.

On the morning of Jan. 9 the accused is said to have struck and killed another man who was walking south on Highway 421 in Bristol. The driver, who was also traveling south, is alleged to have strayed off the right side of the road, striking and killing the pedestrian. Excessive speed was not determined to be a factor in the accident.

The victim died at the scene. The 53-year-old driver has been charged with DUI and vehicular homicide. The man has also been accused o tampering with evidence. The Tennessee Highway Patrol report listed the driver’s vehicle as a 2007 Chevrolet pickup truck, which showed significant damages.

When a person is facing allegations of DUI and/or a related charge of vehicular homicide, contacting a knowledgeable defense attorney who can provide experienced representation in court can be critical to a favorable outcome. To many, the criminal process can be overwhelming. An attorney can help clarify the steps that will take place and form a defense strategy to fight the charges in a Tennessee courtroom.

Source: heraldcourier.com, “Man faces DUI charge after hitting, killing pedestrian“, Zach Irby, Jan. 10, 2017