The sudden death of a young person in Virginia in a preventable car accident is an unspeakable tragedy. When it happens at the hands of an alleged drunk driver the desire may be for the maximum penalty to be levied against the suspected drunk driver. However, due process applies regardless of the severity of the case for a person facing drunk driving charges.
A fatal accident occurred when a man who was driving a box truck lost control of his vehicle and hit an SUV. The driver of the SUV was killed, and her passenger suffered serious injuries that caused permanent brain damage. The girls were returning from a trip to the beach and were seniors at Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake.
The driver was arrested, and pleaded guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter, hit-and-run, cocaine possession, DUI and driving with a suspended license. The judge recently sentenced the driver to 47 years in prison. The recommended sentence is five to 11 years according to sentencing guidelines.
A person in Virginia who is faced with the reality of drunk driving charges may be uncertain of one’s rights and scared and confused about which way to turn. A conversation with an experienced criminal law attorney could be beneficial. The person charged may not be familiar with the laws regarding drunk driving and may not be aware of the full ramifications of the situation one faces. A knowledgeable criminal law attorney can review the facts of the case and advise the client of the best legal options that are available.