A man driving a black Mercury Grand Marquis collided with a tanker truck at approximately 11:50 p.m. A passenger in the back seat of the Mercury was killed in the crash. The driver and a second passenger were transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the Mercury is alleged to have been driving drunk at the time of the accident.
According to officials, the driver of the tanker was not injured. However, the tanker caught fire as a result of the crash. The driver had been travelling north on Hardy, which is an access road that runs parallel to the Hardy Toll Road. He collided with the tanker truck at the Aldine Bender intersection.
The driver of the Mercury has been arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter, a second degree felony. If he is convicted on this charge he may face up to 20 years in prison, probation, community service and fines up to $10,000. Another consequence might be a requirement that his car have an ignition interlock installed. If a certain level of alcohol is detected on a person’s breath, the vehicle will be temporarily disabled.
Anyone who has been charged with intoxication manslaughter or DUI might want to consider speaking with a criminal attorney. It can be very intimidating to face a serious trial alone. It might be reassuring to have the support of an attorney. A lawyer might be able to explain the possible outcomes of a trial for intoxication manslaughter. A defendant might be better prepared for court with the help of an attorney. In the event of a conviction, a lawyer might be able to negotiate on behalf of the defendant for a reduced sentence.
Source: The Houston Chronicle, “1 dead in North Harris County crash“, Brian Rogers, May 04, 2013