Everyone in Ohio knows that drunk driving is dangerous and can lead to serious consequences. However, after an individual consumes a significant amount of alcohol, his or her capacity to make good decisions is compromised. For one driver, a bad decision led to his recent sentencing for felonies including aggravated vehicular assault and aggravated vehicular homicide.
In September of last year, the man got behind the wheel with a blood alcohol level of .136, according to prosecutors. This was well over Ohio’s legal limit of .08. He ended up causing an accident that took the life of one woman and seriously injured three people who were in his car with him.
Ultimately, the man and prosecutors negotiated a plea agreement. As part of that agreement, he pleaded guilty to several charges. Based on those charges, the judge presiding over the case sentenced him to a prison term of 15 years. Further, the driver was ordered to pay his passengers’ medical bills in the amount of $1.3 million.
Sometimes, enough evidence is gathered against an individual that it is difficult, if not impossible, to deny. In that case, achieving the best outcome for a client may be through a plea bargain. It may be better to avoid going to trial, even if the penalties associated with the charges to which a person pleads are still considered significant.
When it comes to felonies, the years in prison and other penalties can add up quickly. Having a guaranteed range or maximum for sentencing could be better than gambling on what a judge or jury would impose, depending on the circumstances. Further, many people reach a point where they just want to put the whole thing behind them and move forward.
Source: fox19.com, Ohio drunken driver gets 15 years in fatal crash, No author, March 14, 2014
