Had a Prior DUI Reduced? Yes, It Can Have a Real Effect on Your Case

By Ben Sessions on December 7th, 2014 in Uncategorized

A very recent vehicular homicide case in Atlanta illustrates the significance that even a DUI reduced to “reckless driving” can have upon a defendant. Darrin Murphy has been charged with DUI- Vehicular Homicide in connection with an accident that resulted in the tragic death of Liam Rattray. In his first appearance before a Fulton County Magistrate Court Judge, Mr. Murphy was denied a bond. Part of the basis for the Court’s decision to deny bond in this case was a prior DUI charge that had been reduced to reckless.

While many defendants believe that a prior DUI that was dismissed in exchange for a plea to reckless driving will have no future impact upon them, this case illustrates just how wrong that assumption is. Even a reckless driving conviction can have very serious ramifications in a subsequent DUI case in Georgia.

The Fox 5 report on this hearing stated:

During his first appearance in court on Wednesday, the magistrate judge said that Murphy was arrested for DUI in Atlanta in 2009. He recently pleaded guilty to reckless driving in that case.

Authorities say Murphy lives in Buckhead, and he is a manager at FedEx in international corporation sales. They say he manages a team of about 10 people.

Murphy is charged with DUI, following too closely, and homicide by vehicle in the first degree. He is being held without bond pending another hearing in front of a superior court judge.

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