Victim’s Family in Fatal DUI Crash Supports Probation for At-Fault Motorist

Often times, motorists are caught for driving while intoxicated after they cause an accident. These instances are particularly disappointing, as not only is the at-fault driver subject to legal consequences, there is a great chance that those in the car will sustained personal injury or die as a result. Because these cases are exactly what they are called, "accidents," accused drunk drivers in this situation need to seek immediately the services of aggressive Michigan DWI defense lawyers to provide high quality representation, preventing jail time.



Owner of Scooters Bar and Grill in Mundy Township, Eric Smith, 46, found himself in that exact situation in 2007, after he crashed his vehicle while driving drunk, resulting in the death of a passenger. He was driving a Jeep around 4:00 a.m., when the car rolled over in a large backyard. Smith and two co-workers were injured in the accident, while 28 year-old Nicole Daunt was killed by the impact. Consequently, the bar owner was charged with operating while intoxicated causing death and injury, as well as negligent homicide.



However, in the end, Smith was offered a reduced sentence, and pled guilty to attempted negligent homicide–the Daunt family and good legal counsel played an influential role in arranging the bar owner’s lucky break. Instead of serving a lengthy prison sentence, Smith will spend a year on probation for his role in the drunk driving accident.



The victim’s father, Bob Daunt, 74, stated to the court that he doesn’t believe the crash occurred because of criminal activity, but instead a lapse in judgment. "We’ve had two and a half years to think about it, and my mind hasn’t changed since the day it happened," Daunt insisted. Additionally, Smith’s Michigan criminal defense lawyer maintains that despite the criticisms of many anti-drunk driving organizations, the crash would have occurred even if alcohol was not involved. He explained, "I don’t think that Jeep tipped on a hill because alcohol was involved. There’s certain physics that happened to make it happen."



It is almost certain that both of these factors significantly helped Smith in his plight to avoid jail time. However, his case does show the serious consequences that can be inflicted on the driver responsible for a drunk driving accident causing personal injury or death. It also highlights the importance of retaining an experienced and trustworthy Michigan DWI defense lawyer for help. Doing so as soon as possible can ensure that the suspect may stay at home with family and friends, instead of sitting behind bars.