MAN COULD RECEIVE LIFE IN PRISON FOR FATAL WRECK

On May 22, a British Columbia man pleaded guilty in a North Vancouver Court to charges related to his involvement in a car accident that led to the death of a woman. Nearly two dozen of the victim’s loved ones showed up in court as the man appeared via video conferencing. The man pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death in the Nov. 1, 2012, crash while charges of drinking and driving causing death and causing an accident that led to death were dismissed. However, the man could still face up to life in prison, according to the Canadian Criminal Code. The courts are expected to credit him with time served as he was placed in custody on Sept. 12, 2013.

A trial that would last four days during the summer was previously scheduled in relation to the car accident, but the dates have since been vacated. The victim’s father wishes he would’ve taken responsibility for the accident when it happened but is glad that he is now admitting his involvement in her death.

On Dec. 6, 2013, in an unrelated incident from Aug. 19, 2013, he entered a guilty plea to escape, obstruction of justice, theft of a vehicle and driving while prohibited. He was ordered not to drive for 24 months and to complete alcohol counselling and received credit for time served with no additional time ordered.

Even when someone is punished in a criminal case, family members might still feel the need for further justice after the death of a family member. A personal injury lawyer might be able to file a civil lawsuit on behalf of a client so that they can find closure and seek equitable compensation.

Source: The Squamish Cheif, “Squamish man pleads guilty in fatal crash”, June 28, 2014