Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Death of Cyclist

According to the Miami Herald, a 32-year-old driver was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the death of a cyclist back in 2010.

Before the accident occurred, the man had been drinking at a club in downtown Miami before driving his Volkswagen Jetta onto the Rickenbacker Causeway. On the Bear Cut Bridge, at approximately 8 a.m., he slammed into a cyclist, who was riding over the Biscayne Bay. The 32-year-old dragged the cyclist’s mangled bicycle for more than two miles before police caught up with him.

Police said that the driver’s blood-alcohol level was 0.122, well over the legal limit. In February of this year, the driver pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident involving a death and resisting arrest without violence.

Under Florida sentencing laws, the reckless driver faced between 11.56 and 37 years in prison. A Miami-Dade circuit judge sent the man to prison for 12 years. The sentence ended an emotional hearing in a highly publicized case that was closely watched by Miami’s avid cycling community.

“It sends a very clear message to the community: If you drink and drive, you will get caught and you will ruin lives,” stated Miami-Dade prosecutor Warren Eth.

After his release from prison, the man must also serve two years of house arrest, followed by eight years of probation. The judge also stated that the 32-year-old must speak on a victim-impact panel and complete 100 hours of community service.

Injured Due to a Driver’s Negligence? Our Attorneys are Here in Your Time of Need

One driver’s extreme negligence cost a man his life. If you have sustained serious injuries or lost a loved one due to a driver’s recklessness, you may be entitled to compensation. To schedule a consultation with someone from our firm, do not hesitate to contact our injury attorneys at 305-476-7400 today. We handle cases throughout the nation and around the globe.

Colson Hicks Eidson – Injury Attorneys