Driving while intoxicated is a serious crime. When it leads to deaths, punishments and penalties can be severe, particularly if the driver has previous convictions. A repeat DWI offender in Poughkeepsie, or anywhere in New York, faces the possibility of larger fines, license revocation and possible jail time.
Sports fans in New York may have heard about a recent fatal crash that caused the death of Dallas Cowboy Jerry Brown. The crash is alleged to have occurred when Josh Brent, one of Brown’s teammates, was driving the car well above the posted speed limit. The vehicle hit the side of the road and flipped over multiple times, killing Brown. Police have reported that alcohol played a role in the crash, and Brent, currently in jail, is now be facing charges of intoxication manslaughter, a second-degree felony.
Brent’s situation has been exacerbated by his prior record, which includes a DUI charge in Illinois from several years ago. At that time, Brent was suspended from the team, served 60 days in jail and given two years probation, as well as required community service. This time, Brent may not get off so easily. Multiple drunk driving charges mean that Brent may be punished with up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
While this incident did not happen in New York, similar situations do arise in our state often. Individuals facing charges of driving while intoxicated need to understand the penalties the law may impose. In New York, those previously convicted for DWI and charged again within a decade are likely face felony charges. Seeking the appropriate information about their legal rights and the options available to them is vital in such cases.
Source: thetowntalk.com, ” Police: Alcohol a factor in crash that killed Dallas Cowboy Jerry Brown,” Lindsay H. Jones, Dec. 9, 2012
