While this may seem like a light sentence (and maybe it is), these are the facts: Stallworth was driving home late at night; the victim crossed the street in front of Stallworth and was not in a crosswalk; admitted to drinking that night (which he should not have done); and Stallworth took a Breathalyzer test that registered .126, over the legal limit in Florida.
The article relates that the semi-lenient sentence was probably also the result of Stallworth reaching a monetary settlement with the family of the victim prior to his sentencing. It also helps that he decided to hire a good criminal defense attorney (though he didn't need a Seattle DUI attorney, so he didn't hire me).
I think that went a long way with prosecutors in showing he was serious about taking responsibility for his actions and getting this matter behind him. And I think Stallworth agreed to the sentence, and to plea, so he'd be out of jail and have the matter behind him before this NFL season started (if Roger Goodell will let him).
This just goes to show you that DUI's can turn out pretty hairy, and often it may not even be your fault. I'm not going to opine as to whether or not the victim walked out in front of Stallworth before he could react even if he was sober, but that kind of a scenario can happen (think about someone running a red light and hitting you when you were DUI in Seattle - even though you weren't at fault for the accident, chances are you still are going to get popped for Seattle DUI). So be careful if you drink and drive and understand that you are taking your chances.
Thanks again for reading the DUI Attorney in Seattle Blog. Come back soon!
Related Posts:
Seattle DUI Attorney | Plea Bargaining
Seattle DUI Attorney | Getting Your Guns Back
