If there's somebody injured or killed in a drunk driving related accident, then the DUI offender typically faces enhanced criminal charges. This is what's happening to Robert C. Young, after he was said to be involved in a crash that killed 54-year-old James Walley in Tuscon.
The Arizona Daily Star reports that Mr. Young now faces a second-degree murder charge. The 46-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly struck a man who was riding a motorized bicycle on West Prince Road last week. Mr. Young was booked into Pima County Jail after traffic detectives determined that he showed signs and symptoms of being intoxicated after the crash. The suspect will now probably need an Arizona DUI attorney to defend himself against the charge.
It was reported that Mr. Walley, the victim, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Perhaps this is what ultimately led to his death. The Tuscon Citizen reports that Mr. Walley's death marks the 11th traffic fatality this year in the city of Tuscon, which is about the same amout of traffic fatalities reported for the same time period in 2009.
Yet even for a fatal drunk-driving related crash, a second-degree murder charge may be a bit extreme. FindLaw states that second-degree murder can best be viewed as the middle ground between first-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter. Second-degree murder is defined as an intentional killing that is not premeditated or planned. A killing that is caused by an offender's lack of concern for human life can be considered second degree murder as well.
If you have questions about aggravated DUI offenses, a Phoenix DUI attorney can typically help you understand how they work. It is important that all citizens understand charges that could possibly be brought against them. For more information, please visit our Related Resources.
Related Resources:
- The Right to Counsel (FindLaw)
- Report on Alcohol-Related Traffic Accident Fatalities (FindLaw's Common Law Blog)
- See a Phoenix DUI Attorney (FindLaw)
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