A well-connected commercial real estate broker from another state is now facing multiple felony charges in connection with a fatal crash, which police are blaming on the man’s drunk driving. The accused man is the grandson of the former mayor of a major American city. The man himself has worked in the highest levels of the real estate profession for over 20 years.
According to police, a few months ago, the man had been drinking at a charity golf event held around an affluent neighborhood. The man’s grandfather, the former mayor, owned a home in that community. Police say that after the event, at about the dinner hour, the man left the neighborhood in his Range Rover with some other passengers. After passing through the checkpoint out of the neighborhood, police say that the man continued to travel quickly down the road, lost control of the vehicle and hit several trees.
Several passengers were ejected from the vehicle during the crash. One woman died and at least two other people suffered serious injuries. Police say that evidence shows that the man’s blood alcohol content was 0.147 at the time his blood was drawn at a local hospital.
Although this did not happen in Colorado, it illustrates the point of our previous recent post that anyone, no matter how well established in the community or how otherwise responsible he or she may be, can face serious DUI charges. Additionally, related felony charges are possible if the alleged DUI results in a serious car accident.
Particularly when injuries or fatalities are in the mix, charges related to drunk driving can absolutely ruin a person’s professional and personal reputation and leave them unable to find work and support themselves. Needless to say, a lengthy prison term is a real possibility in these sorts of cases, even if the person has no prior criminal history. Someone facing this situation will want to mount a strong criminal defense.