Bond Lowered for Coral Gables Man Accused of DUI Manslaughter

1337577_wine_swirl%20sxchu%20website.jpgThe bond for a Coral Gables man charged with DUI manslaughter in connection with the April 13th death of a teenager was recently lowered to $205,000. 38-year-old Sandor Guillen is accused of driving his girlfriend’s Land Rover at a speed of more than 100 miles per hour into a minivan carrying three people. The minivan was reportedly torn in two by the impact and 13-year-old Kaely Camacho died as a result of the injuries she sustained in the accident. Her father and 16-year-old sister were taken to Baptist Hospital and later released. Guillen allegedly attempted to flee the scene of the accident on foot before he was apprehended a few blocks away.

According to reports, Guillen smelled of alcohol and admitted to drinking liquor prior to the collision. A Miami-Dade judge initially set bond for Guillen at $1 million despite that the average bond for individuals accused of DUI manslaughter in Florida is about $45,000. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Leon Firtel reduced the bond before a packed courtroom after stating it was his duty to uphold the law. Onlookers expressed concern that Guillen would flee the country if he were released. Both Guillen, a United States citizen, and his parents, Nicaraguan nationals, surrendered their passports to the Miami-Dade court. If Guillen posts the bond, he will be placed under house arrest and required to wear a GPS tracking device.

Guillen was also charged with driving without a license, motor vehicular homicide, and leaving the scene of an accident. The case has attracted widespread attention in South Florida due to the efforts of one of Kaely’s five siblings. Bree Ann Camacho used social media to encourage supporters of the higher bond amount to attend Tuesday’s bond hearing. She also started an online petition in support of maintaining the higher bond for Guillen.

Alcohol can have a significant effect on a driver’s judgment, perception, and reaction time. Individuals who choose to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol are a danger to everyone on the roadway. Tragically, drunk driving is one of the leading causes of fatal traffic accidents in Florida. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a drunken driving crash, it is a good idea to contact a capable Florida car accident lawyer to discuss your case.

At Lazarus & Lazarus, P.A., our dedicated Miami-Dade automobile accident attorneys are available to help you obtain the compensation you deserve based on your injuries. The law firm of Lazarus & Lazarus represents clients throughout the State of Florida including Orlando, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade County, and Broward County. To schedule a free initial consultation, call Lazarus & Lazarus today at (954) 356-0006. You may also contact our hardworking lawyers through the law firm’s website.

More Blogs:

Palm Beach County Polo Magnate Convicted of DUI-Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide, Florida Personal Injury Attorney Blog, March 27, 2012
Debate Continues Over Elderly Driver Testing in Florida, Florida Personal Injury Attorney Blog, March 20, 2012
Additional Resources:

Lowered bond set in horrific South Miami-Dade DUI crash, by David Ovalle, Miami Herald

Bond Lowered For Driver In Deadly Hit & Run, by Peter D’Oench, Miami.cbslocal.com