Lithia man charged with DUI manslaughter

A 35-year-old Lithia man has been charged with DUI manslaughter in a head-on crash that claimed the life of a Riverview woman last month.

The suspect of 10803 Lithia Pinecrest Road, had a blood-alcohol level of 0.218 on Dec. 19, when deputies say his truck slammed head-on into a Jeep Renegade driven by Karen Weaver, 47.

Florida law presumes a driver to be impaired when the blood-alcohol level is 0.08.

He was driving a GMC pickup, turned himself in just after 9 p.m. Monday on charges of DUI manslaughter and two counts of DUI property damage with personal injury.

Weaver, who lived on Tallowood Court, died in the 11:42 p.m. crash near Big Bend Road and Heritage Green Parkway.

After the crash, both vehicles hit a 2006 Chevrolet driven by Michael Toolen of Riverview. Toolen was not injured.

He suffered incapacitating injuries in the crash. But the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office issued a warrant for his arrest after blood tests revealed he was intoxicated, spokeswoman Debbie Carter said.

He was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail, his bail set at $25,000.

Carter said the crash remains under investigation. Detectives would not release any more information about where he was coming from or headed to that night.

Now, a Florida DUI Charge is serious, but the penalties are even more serious if you were involved in an accident or vehicular homicide while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

You should know you only have 10 days from the date you were arrested for DUI to request an administrative review hearing to retain your driving privileges.

If you would like to schedule a free consultation with our FL DUI and criminal defense lawyers who prove their expertise time and again call 1-800-MUSCA-LAW

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