Texas billionaire, John B. Goodman, is still in the early stages of his second trial, which is set for March 3, for the death of 23 year old college student, Scott Williams on February 2010. Goodman was convicted of DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide back in 2012, and sentenced on May 3 to 16 years in prison and a fine of $10,000. However, the sentence was later overturned by Judge Colbath because a juror failed to notify the court that his ex-wife had once been arrested for a DUI – juror misconduct. Goodman was released on a $7 million bail and has since been on house arrest.
Prosecutors state that Goodman was driving his Bentley while intoxicated and proceeded to ran a stop sign, crashing into Scott Williams’s car and pushing it towards a canal, where shortly after he drowned. According to police reports, Goodman fled the scene of the crime.
Jury selection began on Monday in Tampa. Once the selection process has concluded, jurors will travel to Palm Beach for the retrial.
Judge Colbath also announced during one of the hearings that the jury will get to hear evidence about blood drawn from Goodman after the crash. According to investigators, the level of alcohol in his blood was well above the legal limit in Florida. Goodman’s defense attorneys initially tried to get this piece of evidence thrown out alleging it violated his Fourth Amendment for lack of a search warrant, but were unsuccessful.
Prosecutors are seeking a second conviction after two years from the first sentencing, while the defense team is looking for Judge Colbath to throw out the case before trial based on evidence-related issues.
In Florida, if a person driving under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substances causes an accident in which another individual (s) is killed, the person driving can be charged with DUI Manslaughter. This is a very serious crime that can be punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. Additionally, if the individual leaves the scene of the crime without reporting it to the proper authorities or does not try to render any help, it becomes a 1st degree felony, punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and/or 30 years in prison.
This is not a charge that should be taken lightly because it has the potential to change your life in a blink of an eye. You want to hire the best legal team out there that will evaluate the circumstances of your charges and the accident and give you the best legal advice and defense options available. At Finebloom, Haenel & Higgins, our qualified attorneys are ready to fight for your case. If you or someone close to you has been charged with vehicular manslaughter, DUI manslaughter or vehicular homicide, call us today for a free consult! Don’t wait another minute!
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