A Wisconsin man facing a trial for his drunk driving charges reached a plea agreement recently. The man entered a plea of no contest to charges he drove while under the influence of alcohol and, in doing so, caused someone’s death. A 20-year-old woman was killed in the tragic car accident that happened in 2011.
According to reports, the woman was driving north just after midnight when the accident occurred. The man was driving south and talking on his cell phone. He was reportedly entering a curve in the roadway when he was unable to maintain control of his vehicle. As a result, he crashed into the woman’s car.
The woman was taken to a Wisconsin hospital for treatment. Sadly, her injuries were too great to overcome. She died there two days later.
When tested, the man’s blood alcohol level measured .104, which is more than the .08 allowed by Wisconsin law. In addition to the charges referenced above, he was originally charged with homicide while driving drunk. That charge was dismissed, according to the deal reached. However, the judge is not required to follow the details of the plea agreement. He can sentence the man to be incarcerated for up to 25 years.
The man’s sentencing is scheduled to occur in the spring. Although the car accident happened several years ago, the family of the woman who died may still file a wrongful death lawsuit if they have not already done so. Even though the immediate aftereffects of her death have been dealt with, her family could potentially still benefit from receiving financial help dealing with their loss.
Source: madison.com, Plea deal reached for Arkdale man in 2011 drunken driving fatal crash : Madisondotcom, Peter Rebhahn, Feb. 1, 2014
