logo

Call Now: (312) 609-0400

Illinois accident results in 8 year sentence for DUI

Man sent to jail after being criminally charged of DUI

or fill out the Contact Form

On behalf of Strom & Associates, Ltd. posted in Drunk Driving Accidents on Monday, July 28, 2014.

Man sent to jail after being criminally charged of DUI

A New Lenox man was sentenced to eight years in prison for an aggravated driving under the influence charge on July 18, but his attorney wants the Will County judge that gave the sentence to reconsider at an August 14 hearing. The 23-year-old man was driving when an accident occurred that killed his passenger, and he plead guilty to the DUI charge.

A 22-year-old passenger from Manhattan died in the August 25, 2012, crash that happened on Steger Road in Frankfort Township. The driver lost control of his car, which caught fire after hitting a retaining wall, tree and metal phone-switching box. After the crash, the driver had a blood-alcohol content of .09 and cannabis in his system. He also suffered compound fractures in both legs from the accident.

The New Lennox man settled a wrongful death suit brought by the victim’s mother in 2013 for $250,000 in damages, and his lawyer argued that the defendant should be eligible for probation because he had no previous criminal history, admitted guilt and was young. The judge did not consider this argument but did consider that the passenger’s body had to be identified by dental records because the man refused to identify the body after the wreck. It took three days to identify the body, and the judge said this caused the victim’s family extra pain.

Prison sentences are delivered in criminal court, but those that lost someone in a car accident may be able to file a wrongful death claim in civil court. Driving drunk is illegal and could make someone liable for an accident. This might entitle a victim’s family to compensation, which could be used for funeral expenses, lost wages, legal fees and medical expenses.
Source: Southtown Star, “Eight-year sentence in fatal crash“, Frank Vaisvilas , July 18, 2014

Share This Article

As the founder of the firm, Neal has devoted his life to working for the worker. His achievements are numerous and beyond reproach. He is most proud of his work in helping clients obtain valuable benefits, such as a wheelchair ramp to his home or lifetime medical care.

or fill out the Contact Form

As a partner with the firm since 2002, Kevin Yen manages the personal injury department and leads all investigations into nursing home neglect and abuse cases. Kevin has dedicated his life to personal injury matters and has represented thousands of clients and their families to recover damages for their losses. His clients have included family members who lost a loved one due to a tragic accident, injured children, construction workers injured while on the job site and a host of others.

Related Articles

Innovative Treatments for Car Accident Injuries
Motor Vehicle Accident

Innovative Treatments for Car Accident Injuries

As a personal injury attorney I have seen firsthand how car accidents can be life-changing. The journey to recovery is both physically and emotionally challenging. While I am here to help you fight for your rights, it is equally as important to me that you receive the best possible care. Today,

Law

Beware of random lawyers calling you out of the blue!

Imagine waking up with a toothache. Out of nowhere, you get a call from a dentist offering to give you a root canal. Would you see that dentist? Of course you wouldn’t. You would be suspicious and perhaps even a bit irritated. What if you were in a car accident,

Motor Vehicle Accident

Your Guide to Co-Existing Safely on the Road

Whether you’re a driver, a cyclist, or both, you have a responsibility to act in accordance with laws that are meant to keep us all safe.  In Chicago, there’s an undeclared war between drivers and cyclists. Drivers are mad cyclists don’t stop at stop signs. Cyclists are mad drivers speed past

Get a FREE Consultation:
We want to earn your business.

    Lawyers logos
    Lawyers logos