When Does DUI in Fort Myers Lead to “Culpable Negligence” Charges?
If you face DUI charges in Fort Myers, the authorities may have also charged you with various additional offenses. One example is “culpable negligence,” and while this is a relatively common charge, it may also be confusing for the average motorist. What exactly is culpable negligence, and how can you defend yourself against this charge? Is it more serious than a DUI? These are questions you might want to raise with an experienced defense attorney.
A Recent Example of Culpable Negligence and DUI Near Fort Myers
On March 22nd, 2026, WINK News reported that an 18-year-old was facing charges of reckless driving, DUI, and culpable negligence after police caught her driving under the influence with several minor passengers near Fort Myers. Florida Highway Patrol says the teen driver went through a red light at a high rate of speed before taking a “wild turn” and cutting across multiple lanes. The teen then veered into the shoulder and sped away at over 75 miles per hour.
This obviously led to a traffic stop, and troopers were amazed to find the vehicle absolutely packed to the brim with teenagers. A total of seven teenagers were inside the vehicle, and the implication is that the car was not designed to carry that many passengers. Troopers reportedly found two of the passengers lying in the trunk, and only one of the individuals riding in the car was wearing a seat belt.
Troopers then carried out field and chemical tests on the driver, discovering that her BAC level was up to .19. Because the teen is 18, she will face the full weight of her criminal charges as a legal adult. This is a clear example of the type of situation that may lead to culpable negligence charges.
You Face Culpable Negligence Charges Whenever You “Expose” Someone to Personal Injury
According to Florida law, defendants may face culpable negligence charges whenever they expose others to personal injury. In other words, you need to endanger other people in order to face this charge. As a result, a single-vehicle accident with no passengers or injured/threatened individuals would not lead to culpable negligence charges. In Florida, this charge often accompanies DUI offenses if the driver endangered passengers.
Culpable negligence is a second-degree misdemeanor, and it can lead to up to 60 days in jail. There is considerable overlap between this offense and more serious charges, including child endangerment and DUI causing serious injury.
Can a DUI Defense Attorney in Fort Myers Help Me?
If you face charges of culpable negligence after a motor vehicle incident, consider speaking with a DUI defense attorney in Fort Myers. An experienced attorney can help you challenge both the underlying DUI charge and the culpable negligence charge. Contact The Foley & Wilson Law Firm today to learn more.
Sources:
winknews.com/news/crime/fort-myers-dui-arrest-18-year-old-with-7-teens-in-car-sparks-concern/article_8ef8c923-482a-4e3f-b0bc-0e46fd1781ba.html
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0784/Sections/0784.05.html