A One Year Old is Pronounced Dead After Drunk Driving Accident in Raritan Borough
A mother and her two small children were struck by an alleged drunk driver as he drove down Anderson Street in Raritan Borough just after 7 pm last Saturday. The driver, a sixty-two year old male from the Borough is alleged to have been driving south on Anderson Street when he crossed over into the northbound lane, hit two parked cars and then hopped the curb and struck the mother and her two small children. But it did not stop there, the driver then allegedly crossed back into the southbound lane and slammed into two more parked cars before his vehicle finally came disabled. As a result of the accident, one of the small children, a one year old was pronounced dead at the hospital after being helicoptered from the scene. The mother and her five year old son are reportedly in critical condition in a nearby hospital.
The driver was arrested at the scene but taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for his injuries. Once treatment is complete he will be taken to the Somerset County Jail where he will most likely face a Detention Hearing. He has formally been charged with one count of vehicular homicide, one count of strict liability death by auto, two counts of assault by auto, driving while intoxicated, careless driving, reckless driving, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle. More charges could be forthcoming depending how the other two victims recover.
Vehicular Homicide vs. Aggravated Manslaughter
This is just truly a tragic event. The Defendant, according to nj.com, is only charged with vehicular homicide as of now. However, it is not uncommon in situations like this for the county prosecutors office to seek additional charges, including aggravated manslaughter. Vehicular homicide, also referred to as death by auto is a crime of the second degree, if convicted the Defendant could be facing anywhere from five to ten years in a State Prison. However, aggravated manslaughter is a crime of the first degree and if convicted, the Defendant could be facing anywhere from ten to thirty years in a State Prison. As you can see, if the prosecution seeks to increase the charges, the potential exposure to the Defendant drastically increase.
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Raritan Borough NJ
At Keith Oliver Criminal Law, we fully comprehend that being charged with a criminal offense, especially one as serious as death by auto or even assault by auto can be extremely stressful. As such, we take a very hands on approach when it comes to our clients and make sure that they fully understand not only their rights but their options throughout the legal process. If you would like to come into our Bridgewater office and speak to one of our Somerset County criminal defense attorneys, then please call us directly at 908.533.1064. One of our attorneys would be glad to go over the specifics of your case and formulate a game plan that works best to suit your needs.
For more information on this incident, please checkout nj.com’s article labeled, Baby killed, his 5-year-old brother and mom badly hurt by a drunk driver, cops say.
