Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On February 5, an accident involving an alleged drunk driver ended in the death of a Hale woman who was a well-respected member of her community. Tamra Edgerton, an employee at the Commission on Aging, died after her vehicle was struck broadside, according to news reports at 9 & 10 News.
The man who is responsible for the crash, 29-year-old Ian Lawrence Marshick, reportedly ran a stop sign at the corner of Sage Lake Road and M-55 in Prescott. The Ogemaw County Sheriff said that Marshick “blew” through the stop sign, crashing into Edgerton’s vehicle which had just pulled out onto M-55. Her vehicle rolled several times after being struck; she later died from the injuries sustained in the crash. Edgerton was 50 years old.
Marshick was charged with reckless driving causing death, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death, and a 4th degree habitual offender.
In 2011 Marshick served five months in prison for possession of a controlled substance, obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, and operating while intoxicated according to OTIS, the Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking and Information System.
The maximum punishment for reckless driving causing death or OWI causing death is 15 years, however because of Marshick’s 4th degree habitual offender status he could be sentenced to life in prison.
Michigan’s Vehicle Code Section 257.625 outlines the penalties for a conviction for OWI causing death. While these penalties are harsh and affect the defendant’s freedom, career, and reputation, prosecutors may make the decision to charge someone who has taken another person’s life as a result of drinking and driving with murder as well. If you have been accused of DUI or charged with a more serious offense such as super drunk driving, OUIL causing death, or any alcohol-related offense it is urgent you seek the legal guidance and support of a skilled Michigan DUI defense lawyer at once.
Even a first-offense operating while intoxicated can lead to jail time, substantial fines, driver’s license suspension, community service, and other penalties. Why risk your reputation, career, and freedom? Drunk driving is a serious criminal offense in today’s society; no longer does punishment involve a slap on the hand. Contact a capable and aggressive defense attorney immediately to avoid the damaging consequences of a DUI arrest.