A Missouri drunk driver gets probation sentence for a DUI accident that killed a man. Some call this lessened sentence a dramatic turn of events. The Missouri woman entered a plea deal Monday which resulted in probation for two years for a wrong-way crash that killed a St. Louis man.
In February of 2012, the DUI driver was traveling the wrong way on I-70 when she hit a St. Louis father of two head on, about halfway between Columbia and St. Louis. The bizarre details of the crash and the investigation that took place afterward led to the first trial being thrown out and her sentenced lessened.
According to her attorney, the woman was fleeing attackers who had drugged her. Investigation reports reveal the woman was not wearing any clothes when she was found at the crash nor did she have her purse or cell phone. In the first trial, the woman was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison for felony vehicular manslaughter. This was appealed, and the trial was thrown out. Her attorneys argue that she was a victim of a crime and that her case, from the very beginning, was mishandled. In the appeal, it was discovered that a Highway Patrol investigator mishandled her blood alcohol test and broke vital Highway Patrol policy.
The woman pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of careless and imprudent driving and will be on probation for the next two years. The family of the victim claims it was a disappointing verdict, and she went free on what they believe was technicalities.
If you have lost a loved one in a DUI accident, you must contact Meyerkord & Kurth, LLC, today and let us help you find the justice and monetary compensation you deserve.