DUI Manslaughter

Get The Legal Help You Need
Schedule an Appointment

Before a person can be convicted of DUI manslaughter, the prosecution must prove the following three things beyond a reasonable doubt:

  1. The accused individual drove a vehicle or was in actual physical control of a vehicle; and
  2. While driving a vehicle or while in actual physical control of a vehicle, the accused
    a. was under the influence of alcoholic beverages or under the influence of a chemical substance or under the influence of a controlled substance to the extent that his normal faculties were impaired; or
    b. the accused had a blood alcohol level or breath alcohol level of 0.08 or higher; and
  3. As a result, the accused caused or contributed to the cause of the victim’s death.

“Actual physical control of a vehicle” means the accused individual must be physically in or on the vehicle and have the capability to operate the vehicle, regardless of whether he is actually operating the vehicle at the time.

“Normal faculties” include but are not limited to the ability to see, hear, walk, talk, judge distances, drive an automobile, make judgments, act in emergencies and, in general, to normally perform the many mental and physical acts of our daily lives.

See also manslaughter and voluntary manslaughter.

ASK A QUESTION,
DESCRIBE YOUR SITUATION,
REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Call Now: (561) 832-4348

Contact Form Main
* Required Fields
Your Information Is Safe With Us

We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your questions or to schedule an appointment if requested.

WHY CHOOSE RONALD S. CHAPMAN, P.A.?

Investigate the prosecutor’s case against you.
Speak with your witnesses.
Present legal motions to the judge.
Investigate your defenses.
Represent you at your trial.
Try to get the best possible result for you.
  • Over 34 Years of Experience – Ronald S. Chapman has represented clients facing both state and federal charges since 1990, and he has had more than 200 trials.
  • Numerous 5-star Reviews – Our West Palm Beach law firm has accumulated five-star reviews on Google, Yelp, Lawyers.com, Avvo, and other sites.
  • Sole Practitioner– As a sole practitioner, Ronald S. Chapman works directly with each client he serves instead of handing them off to staff members.
  • Represents Clients in State and Federal Court – While some West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyers handle only state charges or federal charges, Ronald S. Chapman handles both types of charges ranging from state-level assault charges to federal-level drug trafficking and white-collar crimes.
  • Bilingual Legal Services – Ronald S. Chapman provides legal services in English and Spanish, so you won’t have any trouble communicating with him.

Professional Associations

Contact Us

Please type your message below and we will get back to you asap.

Contact Form Main

* Required Fields

Your Information Is Safe With Us

We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.

Real Clients, Real Testimonials

Ron Chapman took on my case and immediately saw a flaw in the ability of the State to prosecute my case. Ron worked diligently and in court demonstrated to the Judge that the State had no ability to convict based on the laws of our State. The Judge agreed with Ron and my DUI case was dismissed. I am so thankful. Thanks to Ron my insurance rates are a fraction of what they would have been, and my record is clean and I can get on with my life!
Sloan M.

Recent Blogs/News

Can You Get Bail Money Back in West Palm Beach, Florida?

It’s the middle of the night in West Palm Beach. Your phone rings, and the last thing you expect to hear is that your loved one has been arrested. At the jail, you’re told the bond amount set by the county schedule. For most families, coming up with the full cash bail is nearly impossible. […]

Criminal Defense Attorney Ronald S. Chapman Reacts to “Super Speeder” Law

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — Criminal defense attorney Ronald S. Chapman draws attention to Florida’s new House Bill 351, effective July 1, 2025. This legislation creates a criminal offense, a second-degree misdemeanor, for driving either 50+ MPH over the speed limit or at 100+ MPH in a manner that endangers others, even absent a collision. Basic Provisions of HB 351 […]

West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Attorney Reacts to Trenton’s Law

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — In the wake of a devastating and preventable tragedy, Ronald S. Chapman, P.A. speaks out about the high stakes surrounding House Bill 687, also known as “Trenton’s Law,” which seeks to increase penalties for repeat offenders of vehicular homicide (VH) and DUI manslaughter (DUIM). This important legislation, which takes effect on October 1, 2025, […]

400 Clematis St. Suite 206, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Click to Call (561) 832-4348
Leave Us a Review
Read Our Reviews
© Copyrights 2022. Florida Criminal Lawyer. All Rights Reserved.

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.
You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.

footer-logo
Follow Us
Since 1990, Mr. Chapman has been representing people who have been accused of committing various types of crimes such as DUI, domestic violence, possession of a firearm, drug possession, expungement, traffic crimes, murder, manslaughter, crimes against children, sex crimes, crimes against the elderly, appeals, and violations of probation.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in West Palm Beach, FL
© Copyrights 2025. Florida Criminal Lawyer. All Rights Reserved.
POWERED BY LAW FIRM MARKETING PROS
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.