Ex-Basketball Coach Sentenced in Fresno Fatal DUI

Earlier this month, a former Central High basketball coach was sentenced to 12 years in prison for killing a seven year-old boy in a DUI incident. The incident occurred in July of 2012 when the 45 year-old coach drove home from a nearby lake after drinking beer. The boy and the rest of his family were apparently walking through a crosswalk which was poorly lit around nine p.m. The defendant failed to see any of them. He struck and dragged the boy several feet, killing him. He also injured the boy's father and sister. The defendant failed to stop and drove around the block before returning to the scene. By then police had been contacted. The coach confessed to police that he was the driver who had hit the family and that he had been driving after drinking.

The defendant had no previous criminal convictions. Because of the tragic consequences, however, he will be required to serve 85 percent of his prison sentence which works out to a little more than 10 years before he is eligible for a parole. He has also agreed to pay the boy's family close to $759,000 in restitution for medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident. A California DUI is charged as a felony when it results in an injury or the death of another as in the above case. Those who have been convicted of three or more prior DUIs in the last 10 years who are arrested for a subsequent DUI will also likely be charged with a felony.

Criminal Defense Firm in Fresno, California

As seen above, even respectable citizens can make harmful mistakes which lead to horrific consequences for others and themselves. Anyone accused of a criminal act, whether that act was deliberate or unintentional, will need prompt and competent legal guidance from a criminal defense firm in their local area. This is vital if the most favorable case result is to be achieved.

For those in the greater Fresno area who have been charged with a crime, Real Lawyers at Affordable Prices is a criminal defense firm with the experience, competence, and dedication that can make a difference. The legal team at the firm has more than four decades of consistent and committed criminal defense work. They have a thorough understanding of what is involved in any criminal charge, whether it is DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft crimes, sex crimes, or violent crimes. They have the skills and resources to provide you with the most effective defense strategy possible, based on the facts of your case. To learn more about the firm and to find out how an experienced attorney can help you, contact their law offices to arrange for a free case consultation.