Maryland Mom Sentenced to Spread Word of DUI Crash in Schools
A story from DelmarvaNow.com reports in an article that a Pittsville, MD mother received an unusual sentence as punishment for a DUI charge—sharing her DUI experiences with schoolchildren.
Bessie Birch was arrested for DUI in November 2008 after a head-on collision. At the time of the accident, she was transporting her three children. One of the children incurred injuries in the accident, although details of the extent of the injury are unclear. On March 19, 2009, the Wicomico County District Court ruled that the 25-year-old mother would have to tour Maryland high schools, relating the details of her story and her learning experience.
In Maryland, transporting a minor while operating a vehicle while under the influence is an aggravating circumstance that can add to the jail time and fines levied against a drunk driver. In this case, the judge chose to suspend the woman’s one year jail sentence in favor of sending a message to the public.
If you have any questions about how aggravating circumstances can change the punishments meted out for DUI, please contact the law offices of Meng & Alpert, LLC. In addition to over three decades of experience as criminal defense lawyers in Maryland, the Meng & Alpert team includes Andrew Alpert, a former prosecutor with extensive training in Maryland DUI/DWI cases. As a DUI defender, he brings over 15 years of professional insight to bear on the issues surrounding DUI. Call 866-444-6363 for a free case evaluation.
