An Oklahoma woman accused of causing an accident that killed one woman and injured a teenager had a preliminary hearing at the end of November, and the judge ruled that there is enough evidence to try the 45-year-old on charges of drunk driving and first-degree manslaughter. Murphy was arrested for the crimes in September and …
An Oklahoma woman accused of causing an accident that killed one woman and injured a teenager had a preliminary hearing at the end of November, and the judge ruled that there is enough evidence to try the 45-year-old on charges of drunk driving and first-degree manslaughter. Murphy was arrested for the crimes in September and she remains in the Tulsa county jail, where she is being held without bond. Being convicted of a drunk driving charge in Oklahoma can have a significant impact on the rest of your life, especially when murder or manslaughter charges are also brought in the case. If you are facing charges for a DUI and/or an alcohol-related manslaughter offense, your first course of action should be to contact our reputable defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center to discuss your legal options. With the help of our criminal defense lawyers, you can protect your legal rights and build a strong defense in your case.
Penalties for DUI Convictions in Oklahoma
Donna Louise Murphy is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing a collision that killed 27-year-old Jane Hansen and seriously injured her 17-year-old sister, Anna, both from Oklahoma. The deadly crash occurred on June 26, 2012, near East 21st Street and Lynn Lane in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Driving under the influence is a serious enough offense in Oklahoma, but causing an accident that results in death or great bodily harm is punished with far more strict penalties under Oklahoma law. Even as a first-time offense, being convicted of a DUI accompanied by a first-degree manslaughter charge in Oklahoma is considered a felony. In addition to jail time, possible penalties associated with this conviction could include hefty fines, driver’s license revocation and considerable fees.
Our DUI Defense Attorneys Can Help
If Murphy is convicted of the DUI and first-degree manslaughter charges filed against her, she could face from four years to life in prison, in addition to other life-altering consequences. If you have been charged with drunk driving in Oklahoma, particularly if you are also accused of causing an accident that resulted in serious injury or death, it is imperative that you seek qualified legal help immediately. An important component in any DUI defense is reconstructing the accident in order to ensure that all the facts are considered in the case. This is one of our top priorities; to make sure that your side of the case is considered by the court. Our DUI defense attorneys have extensive experience protecting the legal rights of Oklahomans arrested on DUI and DUI-related manslaughter charges, and can considerably improve your chances of a favorable outcome in your case.