Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Saturday August 29 at approximately 1:45 in the morning, a 43-year-old Beloit man, Mario Esquivel-Flores, died at an area hospital after becoming involved in a collision with a car on Milwaukee Road. At the time of news reports, an investigation into the man’s death was ongoing by the Rock County medical examiner and the City of Beloit Police Department. Esquivel-Flores died due to the serious injuries sustained in the accident.
A more recent news article at the Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel claims that police have made an arrest in the case, and that a 29-year-old Clinton man whose vehicle collided with the bicycle was intoxicated at the time of the crash. Police arrested the man, whose name was not released, on suspicion of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. According to police, the man’s blood alcohol level was over the legal limit of .08 percent.
It is not clear whether the driver of the vehicle will face additional charges; Esquivel-Flores was allegedly riding his bicycle in the road without any lights when he was struck by the car.
Michigan drunk driving attorneys know that simply getting caught behind the wheel after consuming a substantial amount of alcohol is serious; however, when someone is killed as a result of the intoxication of another individual, the situation becomes far more serious.
A first DUI offense in the state of Michigan may result in jail time, substantial fines, driver’s license suspension, and more. However, when someone loses his or her life as a result of driving while intoxicated, the negligent party may be charged with OUIL causing death. If convicted, the defendant may face up to 15 years in prison along with other criminal penalties.
Drunk driving is a serious offense that can have life-changing consequences, regardless of whether someone else is injured or killed. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, consult with an experienced Michigan DUI attorney immediately to protect your legal rights and freedom.