Sergeant Faces Involuntary Manslaughter for Fatal Car Crash in VA

In December, 2011, Jesse Evans was accused of driving the wrong way down I-64 and killing two young women in a horrific car accident. Police say alcohol played a role in the accident, and this month Evans learned that he will be facing two counts of involuntary manslaughter for killing 19-year-old Sierra Smith and 17-year-old Kimberly Brin, college roommates.
Evans was a former Army staff sergeant based out of Fort Eustis. He was previously convicted of a drunk driving episode back in September and he is currently serving time in the Newport News City jail for that offense, reports WVEC TV.
If convicted of the two involuntary manslaughter charges, Evans can expect a significant increase in his prison stay.
Generally, someone convicted of involuntary manslaughter while driving drunk faces a class 5 felony charge and could be sentenced to a jail term between one and ten years.
In extreme circumstances, if the drunk driver displayed a complete reckless disregard for human life, the driver can face an aggravated involuntary manslaughter charge  and up to 20 years in jail.
In Jesse Evans’ case, while the former army staff sergeant had a previous DUI conviction to his name, he was only charged with the lesser involuntary manslaughter charge. If convicted of the crime, the sentencing judge may consider his past record and give him a penalty closer to ten years than one year for each manslaughter charge.
The penalties for a drunk driving death or injury can vary a great deal depending upon the facts and circumstances of the crime. If you have been charged with drunk driving or seriously injuring another while driving drunk, you will want to speak with experienced DUI attorney Michael S. Weisberg to help explain the penalties you face and possible defenses to your charge.