Florida DUI Manslaughter Defense Attorney :: Underage ‘Party Princess’ Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison in DUI Killing of South Beach Father

August 8, 2013

Just four days before her 21st birthday, a woman who once described herself on Twitter as a “party princess” was sentenced to four years in prison after accepting a guilty plea to DUI manslaughter, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, resisting arrest without violence and DUI property damage.

The young girl admitted to drinking heavily during her bartending shift at South Beach’s Nikki Beach nightclub. She then confessed to getting behind the wheel of her car and driving down Collins Avenue last January where she ran over a 49-year-old father of three and the executive chef at Terrazza at the Shore Club.

The man was apparently walking to his job at the Shore Club, when the woman hit him and drove away, even as a witness tried to stop her.

In her plea deal, the woman was sentenced to four years in prison, two years of house arrest and 15 years of probation.

In addition to the above sentence, her driver’s license has been permanently revoked.

The former Florida International University student must also complete 1,000 hours of community service and speak to students about the consequences of driving drunk at least five times a year.

While the woman was sentenced as an adult on most of the charges, she will serve her prison time in a state youthful offender facility.

The man’s family is pursuing legal action in civil court as well. The family is suing Nikki Beach, claiming they were negligent in allowing an underage employee to drink.

A witness to the crash followed the woman to her condo, where police arrested her a short time later.

She refused to take a Breathalyzer at the scene. Two hours after the crash, police claim her blood alcohol content was .225; three times the legal limit of .08.

The woman faced more than 50 years in prison, but the man’s wife did not want revenge. Instead, she encouraged the court to give the woman a second chance. She asked the woman to dedicate her life to improving the lives of others by educating young people of the dangers associated with drinking and using drugs.

If you were involved in a Florida DUI crash and left the scene, you must speak with a DUI Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton right away. As the outcome of this case shows, you could face a lengthy prison sentence for a DUI Manslaughter conviction. A conviction can also carry other severe consequences, including permanent revocation of your driver’s license.

Our Florida DUI Manslaughter Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help protect your rights following a drunk driving accident. We can negotiate with prosecutors and do everything in our power to help you avoid the presumption of guilt that usually accompanies fleeing the scene of an accident. The best thing you can do to protect your future is to act fast and contact us at 561-367-8777 or reach us statewide and toll-free by dialing 866-608-5529. While you may think your case is hopeless, there are many legal strategies we can aggressively pursue to have your charges possibly reduced to a less serious offense. Do not delay – your initial consultation with us is always free.