Man Sentenced Heavily for DUI Manslaughter Case

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A DUI conviction can have lasting repercussions that follow you for a lifetime. For this reason, it is important that you have adequate representation against a DUI accusation. In some cases, the DUI conviction is the least serious of the charges, especially when there is an accident involved.

In 2013, a man drove the wrong way on the 14 Freeway while intoxicated. He struck another vehicle head on and killed two people, including a pastor of a Lancaster church. He was sentenced recently to 23 years to life in prison.

Authorities have stated that in the early morning hours of June 22, 2013, Pate drove his 2006 Toyota truck south in the northbound lanes of traffic. He was near Escondito Canyon road south of Palmdale when he struck Reverand Manard Giles’s car. Giles died in the accident and a passenger, Mattie Lee Ferguson, died later as a result of her injuries. A third passenger was also injured and stuck in the car until rescuers freed him.

Pate pleaded no contest in July to two counts of murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and DUI. He tried unsuccessfully in August to withdraw from his plea deal, stating that he did not understand the terms of the deal. Judge Nash, who handed down the sentence, stated that it was “one of the most tragic cases” he had presided over in his 27 years as a judge.

If you or someone you love has been accused of DUI, it is important to get an attorney who understands the complications of DUI defense. An experienced DUI attorney can make sure that you are represented at trial for the best possible outcome. Contact our office today for a consultation.

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