Florida man on house arrest after being convicted of DUI manslaughter

Normally, if you are convicted of a crime and sentenced in Jacksonville, you must appeal your sentence from jail or prison. Not so for Polo heir John Goodman. According to an article in the Palm Beach Post, Goodman will remain in the comfort of his home while his DUI case is appealed. He was convicted by a jury of DUI manslaughter and sentenced to sixteen years in prison. Goodman’s DUI defense attorney filed a motion asking the court to allow him to be remain free while the criminal lawyer appeals the conviction. The judge agreed, with conditions. Goodman had to pay seven million dollars in cash to get out of jail. Once released, he has to remain in his home while guarded by two police officers at a cost of $2000.00 daily. Other conditions of his Florida bond include remaining only a certain distance away from the officers at a time and going outside for only 1 hour a day.

In order to be convicted of DUI Manslaughter in Florida, including Duval, Clay, and Nassau Counties, the state attorney must prove several factors. The defendant had to be in actual control of the vehicle and while driving the car, the person’s normal faculties were impaired by alcohol or drugs. As a result of driving the car, the defendant caused or contributed to the death of a person. The definition of “vehicle” in this Jacksonville DUI charge is any device in which a person can be transported on a highway. “Normal Faculties” are the defendant’s ability to see, hear, walk, talk and judge distances. DUI manslaughter is a second degree felony punishable by up to fifteen years in prison. If the defendant didn’t help the victim after the crash occurred, the defendant can be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison.

A defendant’s release post-conviction and post-sentence doesn’t happen often in Jacksonville. If someone is arrested for DUI manslaughter in Jacksonville and is found guilty after trial, the judge will immediately take that person into custody while they await sentencing. The defendant is entitled to have a Jacksonville sentencing hearing and after that hearing, the judge will make a decision about the sentence. Every disposition of a case is made in open court.

If you are arrested for DUI in Jacksonville, you should contact a Jacksonville Driving Under the Influence Attorney immediately to discuss your rights. Duval County DUI charges not only effect your criminal record, but could also cause increased insurance rates and could cause you to lose your Florida driver’s license. Our DUI Attorney, Victoria “Tori” Mussallem has represented thousands of people charged with driving charges in Northeast Florida. The Mussallem Law Firm is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call our Duval County DUI Law Firm at (904) 365-5200 today.