According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2,597 people were killed in United States traffic accidents in December 2010. Of those, 775 deaths involved alcohol-impaired drivers.
Georgia's Driving Under the Influence Laws are complex. Georgia DUI injury attorney Shane Smith can sort through the intermingled laws that potentially create complications in a DUI case.
Twenty-two-year-old Chris Sandy had four drinks at a party in 2000 before getting behind the wheel. He was traveling 77 miles per hour in a 35 zone on a two-lane country road outside of Atlanta when he struck another vehicle that was turning. The force of the accident severed the other vehicle, killing an elderly couple. Sandy was convicted on vehicular homicide and spent over eight years in prison on a 13-year sentence. Conviction of Georgia vehicular homicide carries a penalty of imprisonment for up to 15 years. Sandy was released from prison in 2009 and he remains on probation until 2031.
While imprisoned he made speaking engagements, warning others about the danger of impaired driving. He has told his story to over 130,000 people, mostly high school and college students. His story was also the subject of a 2008 television documentary. "Enduring Regret: Chris Sandy's Story of Living Life after Causing Death" won two Emmy Awards, one for Best Documentary for a television presentation and one for Best Director.
If you have questions about Georgia DUI laws, get the answers in Clayton County DUI injury attorney Shane Smith's book, I Was Hit By a Drunk Driver: What Do I Do Next? Contact Shane Smith Law to schedule a free legal consultation.