Murder Charges in DUI Crash
John Joseph Taskey, aged 46, has pleaded not guilty of second-degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol and causing injury, and driving under the influence with prior DUI convictions. His trial will begin April 10 in San Diego Superior Court. Taskey, who has five prior DUI convictions and served time in state prison for the last offense, was on parole when he allegedly struck and killed 76-year-old Rosa Degerman with his truck. The Deputy District Attorney states that Taskey’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.10 at the time of the injury – two percentage points higher than the legal state limit of 0.08.
Taskey is in jail on $1 million bail and will await trial for second-degree murder. The severity of his accusations highlights an unfortunate complication of DUI arrests that are related to car accidents causing injury or death. Criminal charges like the murder and vehicular manslaughter accusations can be added on to the DUI charge, complicating the underlying DUI case and presenting a whole range of issues to the defendant and his or her legal team. In a case such as Taskey’s, it is unlikely that a jury will respond favorably to a man already showing a long-term track record of DUI offenses. However, the right DUI lawyer could get some or all charges dismissed on procedural issues, help uncover evidence that exonerates Taskey, and/or engage in plea bargaining with the District Attorney to lessen the severity of any required jail time or other punishment.
Due to the many ins and outs of California’s legal system, it is never a good idea to “go it alone” when it comes to DUI accusations. Even if you are being accused of your first DUI, the way in which you handle your first offense could affect your freedom and treatment down the road. That’s why it’s so important to find the right California DUI defense attorney to take up your case. The lawyers at Neil Shouse & Associates aren’t just experienced – they’re committed to preserving the freedom and personal rights of each and every client. Contact us today for a free, confidential phone consultation.
