Virginia Judge Gives License back to Drunk Driver that Caused Fatal Crash

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

Earlier this month, a judge in Henrico County issued a restricted driver’s license to a man convicted in a drunken-driving accident that killed a 21-year-old man in July 2007. In a Richmond Times Dispatch story, the 27-year-old man can drive to church and to his job.

The fatal auto accident occurred when the man’s car went airborne after crossing a median near Interstate 295. His car landed on the victim’s vehicle and killed him. The man’s blood-alcohol level was .11 percent (.08 is the legal limit in Virginia).

In February 2008, the court convicted the man of involuntary manslaughter and DUI. The victim’s family was critical of the light sentence the court imposed. Despite the Commonwealth’s attorney asking for a long prison sentence, he only served one year in jail for the involuntary manslaughter charge, and he did not serve any jail time for the DUI conviction. He served his one-year sentence while on work release. At the trial, the Commonwealth’s attorney described the defendant as remorseless.

If you suffer injuries at the hands of a drunken driver, it is crucial that you know what to do after a car accident to minimize damage and maximize financial recovery. Reach out to our team today to explore your options.

Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.

Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia Injury Attorneys

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.