Kristopher K. Greenwood & Associates

Salt Lake City – Ogden – Lehi

Kristopher K. Greenwood & Associates

Salt Lake City – Ogden – Lehi

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Prom night party gone wrong: Teen faces DUI and other charges

On Behalf of | May 5, 2017 | DUI

For most Utah teens, prom night is supposed to be about partying and ending the school year on a high note. Unfortunately, one teen’s prom night partying resulted in a devastating crash that killed two passengers, injured two others and caused injury to the driver as well. The now 18-year-old driver faces numerous charges, including DUI, automobile homicide and possession of alcohol by a minor, among others.

In the early morning hours of March 5, the driver and his four passengers were traveling south when police say the driver took a curve too fast. The vehicle then flipped several times before finally coming to rest. During the crash, three of the passengers were thrown out of the vehicle. Two of them died. The third survived, but remained in critical condition at last report after being flown from the scene.

The driver and fourth passenger both survived, but suffered injuries. After being taken to a nearby hospital in Moab, both were transferred to other hospitals by helicopter. Preliminary reports regarding the crash claim that the driver was impaired and speeding. The vehicle was allegedly traveling over 80 mph in a 40 mph zone, and emergency medical personnel supposedly smelled alcohol on the driver when they arrived at the scene.

The driver turned 18 just four days after the accident. Utah prosecutors are now evaluating whether to charge him as an adult. Considering the fact that this tragic accident will undoubtedly have an impact on the rest of his life, whether he remains in the juvenile court system or is transferred to adult court is of crucial importance. The severity of the potential penalties as an adult for DUI, automobile homicide and the other charges will likely prompt his criminal defense counsel to fight to keep the case in juvenile court.

Source: deseretnews.com, “Moab student charged with killing 2 friends in DUI prom night crash“, Pat Reavy, April 26, 2017

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