Driver Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Fatal DUI Accident

A 30-year-old undocumented immigrant was recently sentenced in a case stemming from a wrong-way accident that claimed the life of the other driver. The car accident happened in early April this year when S.T. was driving his vehicle the wrong way on U.S. 58. A police officer had seen the wrong way driver but was unable to catch up to the vehicle in time to prevent the wreck. At about 2:20 a.m. a woman delivering papers for the Richmond Times-Dispatch that Sunday was travelling east in a late model compact car when she was unable to avoid S.T. who was going west. The two vehicles collided head on and the woman, 61-year-old M.L., suffered severe injuries. The officer called for emergency medical assistance and the woman was taken by helicopter to the VCU Medical Center. Unfortunately, her injuries were too severe and she died. Reports did not state whether or not S.T. was injured in the wreck but authorities say his blood alcohol concentration was over twice the legal limit at 0.19 percent. S.T. told authorities that he had been drinking with friends but he doesn't remember attempting to drive home. He was charged with aggravated involuntary manslaughter, a second driving under the influence offense and driving without a license. S.T. had been convicted of DUI in March of 2012 and reportedly did not have a driver's license at that time either. Make sure you have the help of a tough criminal defense lawyer if you are facing serious DUI charges.

S.T. was sentenced to four days in jail and barred from obtaining a driver's license for 12 months after his first DUI conviction but his sentencing was much harsher this time around. For the aggravated involuntary manslaughter charges, the judge sentenced him to 20 years in prison with 11 years suspended. An additional year was added to the sentence that he will be serving for driving under the influence of alcohol. S.T. served as a substitute minister at his church and said he hardly ever drinks. He apologized in court for his actions.

Richmond DUI Charges Attorney

Drunk driving or DUI of drugs charges can have severe penalties if you are convicted so it is very important that you have strong defense representation on your side right away. Contact the law office of Vaughan C. Jones, Attorney at Law now to find out how he may be able to fight the charges against you!