Driving Drunk Can Mean More Than Just a DUI Charge
Posted on May 21, 2008 in Courts, DUI/DWI, Local Issues, Traffic
For most folk, when you think about drunk driving the worst case scenario is seeing those flashing red lights behind you, and knowing that you're about to be taken down to jail with your license being at risk, your money being taken in fines, and maybe even some jail time or community service. All very bad news, of course. But it might not stop there. If you hurt someone when you are operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content that's over the state's legal limit, then you're facing criminal charges for that harm, as well. Take the case of Darren Yax. Darren was giving Heather Habisreitinger a ride on the back of his Kawasaki motorcycle last December - about a week before Christmas - when he crashed into a vehicle that was stopped at an intersection. Heather went flying, and died as a result of the traffic accident. Darren's BAC was tested at .10, over the legal limit. Yesterday, the grand jury indicted Darren Yax for vehicular homicide in the death of Heather Habisreitinger, and he's facing a minimum of 5 years (maximum of 30) incarceration if convicted.