Woman facing drunk driving charges for 2012 fatal accident
A 51-year-old woman is facing trial in connection with a Halloween 2012 car accident that reportedly killed a 52-year-old female victim. The driver in this case is accused of striking the victim’s minivan in Chester, Pennsylvania, during a drunk driving accident. That woman is now mounting a DWI defense against allegations that her blood alcohol content level measured 0.2 percent, which is more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent. The defendant is formally charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence. She is also accused of third-degree murder, in addition to reckless endangerment and DUI. She faces significant criminal penalties if convicted. Police officers and paramedics have been called to the stand to testify in the drunk driving trial. Medical responders said that the woman seemed confused and was questioning why she was being taken to the hospital. However, paramedics said they did not notice that the defendant smelled of alcohol, and there were no open containers in the driver’s vehicle. In addition, two drivers who were struck by the defendant that day also spoke during the legal proceedings. It appears that the defendant struck another vehicle with her truck before allegedly plowing into the minivan. Witnesses said that the woman pulled away slowly from the scene of the first accident, but she was traveling at about 50 mph when she struck the minivan just minutes later. Another driver, whose vehicle was behind the minivan during the accident, also testified about the accident. Defendants who are facing trials for multiple offenses — including drunk driving — may benefit from the assistance of a Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney. These professionals may provide additional information about the implications of taking a case to trial. Remember that an arrest for a DUI charge does not automatically mean that the defendant is guilty. Source: The Delaware County Daily Times, “Trial begins for driver in deadly 2012 Halloween accident” 18 March 2014
