Pulp Fiction, Beowulf Screenwriter Charged with DUI
The Los Angeles Times reports that on December 13, 2008, Ventura County prosecutors charged screenwriter Roger Avary with gross vehicular manslaughter. Avary pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and other charges which arose from a January 2008 single-car collision on a rural Ojai road.
According to the prosecution, late on January 13, 2008, Avary missed a turn and crashed his vehicle into a telephone pole. The impact killed one passenger, Andreas Zini, a family friend; and injured another passenger, Avary’s wife Maria.
Avary has been charged with manslaughter and two felony counts of causing bodily injury while intoxicated. Gross vehicular manslaughter carries a potential prison term of 2 to 6 years, depending on the relevant circumstances of the case.
Combined with the felony injury charges, Avary could spend over a decade in prison if convicted. A pretrial conference has been scheduled for February.
The Avary case illustrates how seriously the authorities regard drunken driving cases that result in fatalities and injuries. Expert consultation is strongly recommended given the significant amount of prison time, fines and other penalties that could be levied against someone charged with DUI related offenses. The strong public reaction to the news of fatal DUI accidents often puts pressure on law enforcement and other officials, which can unfairly impact the outcome of a given case.
Are you or some one you care for facing a driving under the influence charge? You need the assistance of an experienced DUI attorney. Contact us for a case consultation.
