In exchange for a light sentence, the New York Nets’ new head coach, Jason Kidd, plead guilty to a drunk driving charge. The single car accident happened in 2012. After leaving a charity event in the Hamptons, Kidd crashed his SUV into a telephone pole. He admitted to the judge that he had consumed three or four drinks before he left the function.
In taking responsibility for his actions, Kidd will speak to high school students in Long Island about the consequences of drinking and driving. According to the district attorney, community service is a better option for Jason Kidd than three years of probation because he is a role model in the community. If he fulfills his service requirement, his drunk driving charge will be reduced from a misdemeanor offense to driving while ability impaired, which is only a violation.
Kidd did not make a statement after his sentencing hearing but his lawyer told reporters that he has taken responsibility for his mistake and knows that he is very fortunate that no one was hurt due to his actions. Kidd purchased a home in the neighborhood where the accident happened and hopes to become part of the Water Mill community.
Penalties for drunk driving offenses vary based on whether the driver caused injuries to another person or significant damage to property. Given his position as a role model, the judge felt that a sentence of community service was appropriate for Jason Kidd. The average driver, though, may receive a harsher sentence for a DWI charge and may consider hiring a lawyer who has experience defending people charged with drunk driving. Sentencing options may include community service, probation or jail time based on the nature of the accusations and the plea bargain a lawyer makes with the prosecutor.
Source: ESPN New York, “Jason Kidd put on interim probation“, July 16, 2013
