According to a recent story on WUSA9 Washington, DC, Steven A. Boyce has been charged with a DUI and alcohol-related involuntary manslaughter charges after allegedly crashing his pickup truck into a car in Winchester, which resulted in four deaths. Mark Roe, his wife Amanda and children Tyler, 4, and Caleb, 11 were all killed when the collision caused the gas tank to explode. It has been reported that Boyce blew a .27 on a breathalyzer and police allegedly found an empty half-gallon rum bottle and beer cans in Boyce’s vehicle. Boyce was on probation for possession with intent to distribute (PWID) marijuana and had prior convictions for underage drinking, according to reports.
As a Washington, DC DUI lawyer, I would like discuss some of the many potential alcohol-related charges that could result for a scenario similar to the one just described. In DC, possession of an open container of alcohol in a vehicle (POCA-Veh) is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. The next charge that could result is driving while intoxicated (DWI). A DC DWI involves a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of greater than 0.08 grams, which can be obtained through breath testing, blood testing, or urinalysis. A score greater than 0.24 grams requires a mandatory minimum of five days in jail if convicted, and a score of 0.25 or greater requires a mandatory 10 days in jail.
In a DUI case where people have been killed, the Washington, DC government could charge the driver with involuntary manslaughter (negligent homicide). A negligent homicide charge carries a maximum of five years in prison.
If you have been charged with a DUI or any other crime in Washington, DC, please feel free to contact my office for a free no-obligation consultation.
