Taking a ride on a golf cart doesn’t seem like it could lead to a life-changing moment. But, for two individuals in Florida, one ride changed their lives forever. One lost her life, while another is now facing up to 15 years in prison.
What happened, and why are there serious criminal changes in this tragic case?
A Deadly Golf Cart Ride
Late at night on March 9, 2025, Richard Keil, 58, and a woman took a ride in a golf car. Keli is a resident of The Villages, a senior living community located in central Florida. The woman, whose identity has not been released, is a resident of Illinois and was visiting the area. She would not be returning home. The Florida Highway Patrol shared the details of what happened based on a statement from Keil.
At around 1 am, Keil was driving the golf cart on the road of a residential area, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The golf cart was heading north on San Marino Drive when it encountered a parked car near the intersection of Santa Clara Circle. Keil swerved to avoid a parked car, and the sudden movement caused the woman to fall from the golf cart.
The woman was seriously injured and taken to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Keil appeared to exhibit signs of impairment. He was arrested by FHP and charged with DUI manslaughter.
Related: What to Expect From a First Offense DUI
Golf Cart Driver Charged with DUI Manslaughter
A DUI is a serious charge, but a DUI manslaughter charge is even more consequential. Florida DUI laws and their potential punishments are outlined in Florida Statutes 316.193. DUI penalties are enhanced when the incident leads to damages, injury, or the death of another person. When a DUI leads to death, it is considered manslaughter.
DUI manslaughter is defined by Florida Statute 782.07 as “the killing of a human being by the act, procurement, or culpable negligence.” It is a second-degree felony and comes with a mandatory prison sentence of four years. The maximum sentence is 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and up to a $10,000 fine.
An individual can be charged with DUI or manslaughter as separate crimes, but they become one charge when the crimes occur at the same time. For Keil to be convicted, state prosecutors will have to show that he was impaired and under the influence while driving and took action that led to the death of another person.
Related: Stopped and Arrested for a DUI in Florida? Here’s What to Do Next
Yes, You Can Get a DUI on a Golf Cart
While DUIs are often associated with individuals being under the influence of alcohol while operating a vehicle, a DUI can include many other situations.
A DUI, or driving under the influence, does not only refer to being intoxicated by alcohol. A person could be charged with driving while intoxicated, DMI, if impaired by alcohol as well as drugs or even prescription medications.
You do not need to be driving a vehicle to get a DUI or DWI. Depending on the jurisdiction, a person could be charged with a DUI while operating a variety of motorized and non-motorized modes of transportation such as:
- Bicycles and e-bikes
- Electric scooters
- Boats
- Jet skis
- ATVs
- Golf carts
- Tractors and lawn mowers
- Horses and horse-drawn carriages
The type of transformation and whether it is motorized or non-motorized has no bearing on the severity of a DUI charge. If you are intoxicated by a substance and controlling a mode of transportation, you could possibly be charged with a DUI.
Each state has its own set of DUI laws, so it is important to know and understand the statutes of your state if charged with driving under the influence.
Related: Is a DUI a Felony in Florida? What Charges Should You Expect?
Get Legal Support for a DUI
A DUI, whether it is a first-time offense or a second-degree felony, is a serious criminal charge. The choices you make during the legal process can impact the rest of your life. If you are charged with a DUI, take the situation seriously. Talk to an experienced DUI attorney right away.
An experienced attorney knows how to fight against the charges to get you the best possible outcome for your situation. If you need legal advice about a DUI or other criminal charge, we’re here to help.
Contact our office to schedule a free consultation with criminal defense attorney, TJ Grimaldi. Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023 today.
TJ Grimaldi joined McIntyre in 2011. McIntyre recruited TJ to create the divisions of personal injury and family law, as well as to expand the existing criminal defense practice at the firm. During TJ’s tenure at McIntyre, he has helped oversee and grow these practice areas. He continues to practice in these divisions while also expanding his own practice areas to include estate planning and immigration law. TJ is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Florida and the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.
