In Minnesota, a conviction for driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol could come with steep penalties. These penalties are elevated for a driver convicted of playing a role in an alcohol-related accident that led to the injury or death of another person. Recently, a court sentenced a defendant to 48 months in prison after a drunk driving accident that took the life of one high school student.
The consequences of a tragic accident
The accident took place last February, and according to the accident report, the defendant’s vehicle was traveling in the wrong direction at the time. After traveling in the wrong lane, the vehicle eventually crashed at the intersection of Highway 61 and Highway 43 in Winona. The crash resulted in the loss of life of one person, who was a passenger in the other vehicle.
The others that were in the car with the victim at the time of the crash suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening. They were taken to the hospital for treatment and then released. A judge ruled that the defendant will spend at least two-thirds of his sentence behind bars with the option of spending the final third on probation if he demonstrates good behavior.
Fighting for his future
There is much at stake for a defendant who is facing criminal charges after a drunk driving accident. A person in this situation will find it beneficial to seek experienced defense counsel as he or she navigates the Minnesota criminal justice system. Before entering a plea, it may help to learn more about the specific defense options one has available to him or her.
