When a person is facing a serious charge, the first reaction is to want to defend against the charges as vigorously as possible. Some defendants decide on a different approach, though. Bridgehampton readers might recall an accident back in 2012 that resulted in the deaths of two teens. The driver of the car that hit them was facing a vehicular assault charge, as well as a multitude of other charges and recently decided to change his original plea.

The 23-year-old man changed his not guilty plea to guilty and threw himself on the mercy of the court. He was facing 58 counts ranging from vehicular assault and vehicular manslaughter to driving while intoxicated. He admitted he was drunk, speeding and texting when the accident occurred on Dec. 1, 2013.

Four teens were traveling in a Ford Explorer when the man slammed into them from behind. Two of the teens were killed, and the other two were seriously injured. At first, the man denied the charges, claiming he had barely had one drink, had not been texting and had hit a patch of black ice just before the accident occurred. But when the prosecution stated it had witnesses that could show that he had been drinking heavily at a local establishment and had sent a text just prior to the accident, the man decided to change tactics.

The man pleaded guilty to all 58 charges and was sentenced to 5 to 15 years in prison. Although this was undoubtedly a difficult decision, it was not one he would have made lightly. Anyone who is facing such charges should consider all of their options. An experienced legal professional can help anyone determine if fighting the charges is the best course of action.

Source: Times Union, “Drue sentenced to 5 to 15 years in prison” Robert Gavin, Dec. 05, 2013