A DUI conviction carries long-term consequences, which can include fines, jail time and the loss or suspension of a driver’s license. A Colorado teen and her parents will likely do all they can to avoid facing these serious consequences. She was charged with drunk driving after being involved in a fatal accident before she even received her driver’s license.
The incident occurred in April 2013 in Commerce City. The 16-year-old was driving a car when it started to go off the side of the road. The young driver allegedly over-corrected, which caused the car to fishtail. It ended up in the oncoming lane where it struck a motorcycle, ejecting the biker from his vehicle.
The impact was so severe that the motorcycle was pushed away from the actual site of the crash, and the 52-year-old driver lost his life. The car’s driver and her two 16-year-old passengers were also injured in the crash. An 18-year-old passenger received only minor injuries.
Local law enforcement conducted an investigation that lasted more than two months. It was discovered that the driver of the car was operating with only a learner’s permit and that she allegedly had been drinking at the time of the crash. One of the focuses of the investigation was to determine where the teens were able to purchase the liquor they were suspected of drinking.
The charges the young driver faces include two counts of vehicular homicide with one count involving DUI and one involving reckless driving. She was also charged with four counts of vehicular assault with two involving DUI and two involving reckless driving. In addition, law enforcement charged the 16-year-old with DUI and driving a car as a minor with more than one other minor in the vehicle.
Despite the charges filed and the evidence prosecutors may or may not have, this young driver is innocent until proven guilty. It is unknown what kind of testing was carried out to determine whether she was intoxicated, and that could be pivotal at her trial. A criminal defense lawyer may be able to help ensure that this young girl does not face lifelong consequences because of the incident.
Source: ABC 7, “16-year old student is charged with vehicular homicide, DUI in collision that killed motorcyclist,” Lance Hernandez, July 7, 2014