Chicago Man Sentenced in Drunk Driving Crash

 Posted on April 03, 2012 in DUI

On May 21, 2011, a Chicago Streets and Sanitation city vehicle driven by 62-year-old Dwight Washington ran up a curb and slammed into a group of people on a Near North Side sidewalk, injuring seven. A bottle of brandy was found in the truck and Washington had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of twice the legal limit in Illinois.

Washington has already served over 300 days in jail since the incident, and these will be deducted from the nine-year prison sentence he received late last month. Washington, a Vietnam veteran, husband, and father, pled guilty, and read an apology to the victims of the accident, some of whom were severely injured.

Many were surprised that Washington didn’t receive a lengthier sentence, but the judge hearing the case pointed to the fact that Washington “didn’t wake up on May 21^st with the intention of hurting his fellow citizens” and said “he will be punished.”

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At least one of the accident victims - a 26-year-old nanny who was lauded for saving the baby she was pushing in a stroller – expressed relief that the sentencing was over. Others who were injured in the accident appeared at the sentencing, including Stephen Dewart, who ended up with a metal rod in his leg.

Judge James B. Lynn also said “I think there is no real winner here,” and that rings of truth. Even if Washington received a longer sentence for his poor choices that day, it wouldn’t negate the fact that the accident happened. Additionally, Washington still has to contend with several civil suits filed by the accident victims.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI after allegedly causing an accident, you’ll need the services of a top Chicago DUI defense attorney. You could face significant fines and years in prison, and a skilled Chicago DUI lawyer can advocate for you to receive the least sentence possible.