The driver who caused a fatal accident in Times Square in New York earlier in May reportedly had gotten off easy in a second drunken driving case. The driver, who had been taken into custody on suspicion of drunk driving in 2015, was not required to have an ignition interlock device installed in his vehicle.
The 26-year-old driver was pulled over by New York authorities on Henry Hudson Parkway on April 22, 2015. He was charged with DWI after refusing to take a breath test. He pleaded guilty to drunk driving on Sept. 8, 2015. Because he had a previous DWI, the judge revoked his driving privileges for six months. He was also required to participate in New York state’s STOP-DWI program and have an ignition interlock device installed in his vehicle. However, the judge changed her mind regarding the interlock device after she learned that he had completed an assessment for drunk drivers.
The Times Square accident resulted in the death of one person and left several dozen others with injuries. Following the accident, the driver said that he had been high on PCP-laced marijuana when the accident took place. He was ultimately charged with murder and several other offenses.
If a New York resident is accused of drunk driving, he or she has the option to go to trial or negotiate a plea deal. If the person goes to trial, there is a possibility that the charges could be dismissed. If the person goes for a plea deal, the severity of the legal consequences could be reduced. A criminal law attorney may review the case and advise an accused person depending on the strength of the case.
Source: New York Daily News, “Crazed Times Square driver got off easy after second drunken driving arrest“, Shayna Jacobs, May 22, 2017
