Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney

A 20-year-old man in Palm Beach, Florida has been charged with vehicular homicide after causing a crash that killed a 16-year-old female. Chase Depastino, from Royal Palm Beach, was reportedly speeding and is also suspected of drinking before operating the vehicle on Tuesday, August 13, 2013. Despastino was driving a 2001 Chevy pickup at the time of the crash as Leanne Hall, who was from Buffalo, New York, was riding in the passenger seat. A third passenger, Zachery Salamone, 20, was also in the vehicle during the collision, but only suffered minor injuries.The vehicle was traveling east on Northeast 62 Street at 2 a.m. before running a red light and hitting the curb of the median. It then hit a tree and rolled over onto its side in the center of the eastbound lane. All three individuals were trapped in the vehicle and had to be removed by Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue. Hall was pronounced dead at the scene while the two men were treated for their injuries after taken to Broward Health Medical Center, according to police Detective DeAnna Greenlaw. Despastino suffered critical injuries after the crash, while Salamone was listed in critical condition.

Although the posted speed limit was 30 miles per hour on Northeast 62 Street, Despastino was believed to have been speeding, according to a witness at the scene. He is also suspected of having at least one alcoholic beverage before operating the vehicle. Despastino was arrested on Monday morning a week following the accident and was released after paying a $3,500 bond.

If you or someone you know has been in a similar situation, contact our firm to consult with a Fort Lauderdale Vehicular Homicide Defense Attorney at 1-800-909-5529. 24/7 consultation is available through the firm. An aggressive stance is taken when defending each client with all cases related to driving under the influence, drug and alcohol offenses, and violent crimes. Before an arrest has been made or charges are filed, a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney from Abramowitz, Pomerantz & Morehead will already be working to reduce the charges, file motions, or negotiate with law enforcement. Each lawyer is experienced and has worked on a variety of different cases for the expertise needed for a fair outcome.