Fatal crash in Illinois leads to 6-year sentence on DUI charges

In 2016, a 23-year-old Illinois man on a motorcycle died in a collision with a car. Six months later, authorities charged a 51-year-old woman with reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence in connection with the fatal accident.

Having recently pleaded guilty to the charges, the woman received a six-year prison sentence from a judge last week. According to the state’s attorney, only under extraordinary circumstances will probation be available. Otherwise, the woman will have to serve at least 85% of her sentence. In addition to the criminal conviction, the woman also faces a pending wrongful death suit by the motorcyclist’s mother.

Authorities claim that, at the time of the accident, the woman’s blood alcohol concentration was more than twice the legal limit. She allegedly placed her vehicle in the path of the oncoming motorcycle by attempting to make a left turn. The civil complaint goes into further detail, alleging that the woman failed in the following ways: keeping her vehicle in the proper lane of traffic, yielding the right of way and maintaining proper control of her vehicle.

Additionally, the civil complaint claims that, in light of the circumstances and conditions, the woman’s speed was inappropriate and that she did not keep a proper lookout for incoming vehicles. Both the woman named in the wrongful death lawsuit and the motorcyclist’s mother who filed it are due to appear in court later this month.

This case starkly illustrates the complex and severe consequences that can result from an allegation of driving under the influence. Those who feel they would benefit from representation in criminal court may wish to discuss DUI defense with an attorney.