A woman appeared in Virginia Beach court on Monday, May 21, facing alleged DUI charges stemming from a January accident that left four people injured. According to police, the 43-year-old driver attempted to go around a school bus when she reportedly drove her vehicle onto the front lawn of a residence, striking four family members walking to meet the bus.
Among the four injured was a father walking with his two young children and their young cousin. Police allege that this is the second round of DUI charges against this driver; however the circumstances surrounding the alleged DUI involvement in this accident have not been specifically identified.
The driver pleaded no contest in court Monday to two misdemeanor DUI charges and plans to appeal the 24-month sentence she received from the Circuit Court in connection with the conviction. She also faces three felony counts of DUI maiming for which she waived the right to a preliminary hearing. The additional charges will be presented to a Grand Jury to determine what further action might be appropriate. The details about possible court dates have not been released.
The defendant may be facing a difficult road ahead. However, despite all the detail that has been reported it must be remembered that she must be considered innocent until proven guilty and that she is entitled to robust legal representation.
Virginia residents who find themselves facing DUI charges may feel that their case is hopeless, but that would be a mistake. Even in cases where an accident has occurred and DUI is suspected, it does not mean that the charge can be proven. There are many variables in DUI cases, and mistakes by investigators are not uncommon.
While it remains to be seen what the result of this case will be, it is noteworthy those who suffered injuries acknowledge they are doing well.
Source: WAVY.com, "DUI suspect in court after accident," Jessica O. Swink, May 21, 2012
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