NBC New York reports that a 21-year-old student was walking by the intersection of Anderson Hill Road and Westchester Avenue in White Plains just before 5:00 a.m. when an alleged drunk driver struck and killed him. According to Record Online, the victim had just entered his third season of lacrosse at Manhattanville College.
Police identified the driver as a 24-year-old woman, and authorities claim she kept driving after the impact. When she was three blocks away from the scene, she stopped to inspect the damage to her car and call the police.
Police arrested her at the scene and charged her with vehicular manslaughter and aggravated DWI. At 0.21, the defendant’s BAC was more than twice the legal limit. Police impounded her vehicle, and a judge set her bail at $100,000.
If you are facing DWI or related charges in New York, contact Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law to discuss your defense options. Call 914-772-8614 to speak with a White Plains criminal attorney.
What Is Vehicular Manslaughter?
If a motorist unintentionally causes a collision that results in one or more fatalities, he or she might face vehicular manslaughter charges. According to The Wall Street Journal, which analyzed data on fatal crashes throughout the state, drivers who cause fatal accidents in New York rarely face criminal charges.
That’s because the state’s vehicular manslaughter statutes only apply to motorists who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. As far as standards for a vehicular manslaughter conviction go, New York state has some of the narrowest in the nation.
What Are the Penalties for Vehicular Manslaughter in New York?
In the state of New York, vehicular manslaughter in the second degree is a Class D felony. Convicted individuals face up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Motorists who have a BAC of more than 0.18 could face charges of vehicular manslaughter in the first degree. This is a Class C felony and carries with it up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Because vehicular manslaughter charges only apply if the motorist was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, New York law pertaining to DWI has its critics, and reckless driving remains a serious problem; however, the state also has some of the toughest drunk driving laws in the nation. In 2009, New York instituted Leandra’s Law, which makes it a felony to drive while intoxicated with a passenger who is under the age of 15.
Contact Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law to Start Planning Your Defense
If you are facing DWI charges, turn to Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law. Mr. DeUrso is a White Plains DWI lawyer who will aggressively represent your interests.
Darren DeUrso has been practicing law for 25 years. His experience as an assistant district attorney gives him a unique skillset when it comes to defending clients who face criminal charges. Call 914-772-8614 today to schedule a consultation.