People who are arrested with suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol may be found to have blood alcohol concentration levels exceeding the legal limit. In Wisconsin, those found driving with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher are considered intoxicated and are arrested for DUI. Although the consequences of a DUI can be devastating, another category of DUI offenders, known as the super intoxicated, face more severe penalties in the court of law.
One such Illinois man was driving through Wisconsin with a BAC of approximately 0.23 percent, almost four times over the legal limit, when he collided with two vehicles. The man was highly impaired due to the extensive amount of alcohol in his system and was driving southbound in the northbound lane of the highway.
When the intoxicated man struck the first car head-on, he fatally injured a 21-year-old woman. He then struck a second car, which resulted in non-life threatening injuries for both the 36-year-old driver and the offender.
The 44-year-old man struck a plea deal with prosecutors, resulting in a felony charge of homicide by operation of a vehicle while intoxicated. He entered a plea of no contest and faces a sentence of $100,000 in fines, 10-years parole and up to 25-years in prison. He is also convicted of a misdemeanor of causing injury while operating a vehicle while intoxicated for the second collision. These charges were a step down from the original charges of operating a vehicle with a prohibited alcohol concentration, which would have held more severe penalties.
The decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated can be a life-changing choice. It often comes with strict consequences, including community service, costly fines, probation and even a potential prison sentence. People who are faced with these disturbing charges may find vital legal counsel when partnering with an established criminal defense attorney. They may be able to help negotiate a plea bargain, which may result in pleading to a lesser charge.
Source: The Daily News, “Plea deal reached in fatal Pound crash,” Nikki Younk, Apr.4, 2014