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Fresno DUI Driver sentenced

Fresno DUI and Hit & Run driver sentenced to 15 years in prison for Fatal DUI Accident.  The sentence was handed down by Fresno Superior Court Judge Jonathan Skiles who even made reference to nice people can do bad acts.  The high blood alcohol content of .28, and running after the accident seemed to factor heavily into the sentence.  The prosecutor brought to the judges attention that he defendant did not have a drivers license, was over 3 times the legal limit, and entered a plea of guilty to two counts of gross vehicle manslaughter while intoxicated and resisting arrest.  However, even in the most tragic of cases, there are mitigating factors.  The defendant had no criminal record, a family, and took responsibility at an early stage of the proceedings, all mitigating factors for sentencing purposes.  

This also goes to show that having a qualified attorney who can point the strengths of your case, and/or situation and help you in even the worst of situations.  While, the sentence of 15 years is a long time, it could have been much longer.  No criminal record, a family, and an apology were all heard and acknowledged by the court and wighed in favor of the defendant. 

Being familiar with the Fresno court system and the factors that the courts weigh when sentencing a DUI or DUI Manslaughter offender is important, and hiring the right DUI Lawyer for your needs is also important.  There are many cases that are unwinnable, or the defense is unlikely to prevail at trial.  For those cases, working up strong sentencing is very important.  I have heard a Fresno Superior Court Judge compliment a local attorney for being one of the best he's seen at working up a sentencing prior to his client being sentenced, including all relevant factors in his favor, and garnering favorable sentences.  There is more to criminal defense than just the guilty / not guilty stage of preceding.

Fresno DUI Lawyer - Justice and fair sentencing
Fresno DUI Lawyer - Justice and fair sentencing

Justice isn't about harsh sentences, tougher on crime, or slogans such as "Three Strikes, you're out" mantra's that politicians use to get elected.  It's about a prosecution, a zealous defense, wisdom, and finally a balancing of the scales of justice with the facts and arguments presented to come to a fair conclusion of the case.

In the above case, it was a high blood alcohol, hit and run, gross vehicle manslaughter with two deaths.  It was also about a person with no criminal record, family, pleaded guilty early, took responsibility, and apologized.  The factors were weighed by the judge, and justice was handed down.  It is important to view sentencing as an opportunity to help you client, by presenting the facts in their favor.  That is one of the reasons that we have sentencing hearings, probation reports, and a judge.

Fatal hit and run DUI driver sentenced in Fresno Court

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"Criminal defense is about helping good people, that is what I do." Jonathan Rooker

Experienced Fresno and Madera County Criminal Defense Attorney Jonathan Rooker understands the needs of each client are quite unique to each individual client. Some clients are looking to keep their drivers license, others are looking to avoid long periods of incarceration. Many times pride and principles are cited for the client's motivation to achieve a particular resolution to their case. Many clients just want to put their life, family, and career back together. It is the responsibility of the defense attorney to coordinate and effective defense for the benefit of the client. It is essential that I provide the best defense for the individual person and their specifically tailored needs in life. I will help you by building the best defense that the facts allow. One important aspect of hiring a private attorney is the time they spend listening to your needs, and working to obtain an effective resolution under the circumstances. When these problems arise, it's time to reach out for a helping hand. I handle criminal defense cases on a daily basis, helping people with their issues. Let me help you.

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