Man in fatal drunk driving case denied bail for third time

A man accused of drunk driving and causing a fatal accident, who has a record of three previous drunk driving offenses within six years, has been denied bail for the third time. The suspect, identified as Chiang, was seeking release to earn money for a settlement with the victim's family.

Chiang was arrested last September after colliding with a female motorcyclist on Dazhuang Road in Gangshan District. Police measured his blood alcohol content at 1.17, significantly above the legal limit. He was subsequently detained on charges of driving under the influence causing death.

Despite confessing to the charges, Chiang's previous two requests for bail were denied. As his detention period neared its expiration on August 26, his lawyer again petitioned for his release. The defense argued that Chiang had cooperated with the investigation and proposed a bail of 150,000 New Taiwan dollars, along with restrictions on his residence or a requirement to report to the police regularly.

The lawyer emphasized that continued detention would prevent Chiang from working and earning money, thus hindering the possibility of reaching a settlement with the victim's family. The defense suggested that releasing Chiang would be beneficial for facilitating reconciliation.

However, the Qiaotou District Court rejected the bail request. The judge cited that Chiang is facing a serious felony offense with a minimum sentence of five years imprisonment and that there is a clear risk of flight. The court found no direct correlation between the defendant's desire to work for a settlement and the necessity of continued detention due to the gravity of the crime and the flight risk. Consequently, Chiang will remain in custody.

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The court found no direct correlation between the defendant's desire to work for a settlement and the necessity of continued detention due to the gravity of the crime and the flight risk.