A man was convicted in Chicago of killing a young boy when he crashed his car into a tree. The boy was five-years old, reports a New York Criminal Lawyer. The incident occurred after the boy’s mother was arrested for driving with a suspended license. The police officer at the scene took the mother into custody, but allowed the man, who was under the influence, to drive the boy home. The man was sentenced to three to 14 years in prison.
The initial incident took place in the Chicago neighborhood. The boy was eventually killed not too far from where his mother was arrested.
Throughout the trial, the mother of the boy insisted that at the time of her arrest, she told the police officer at least three times that the man was drunk and that she was the designated driver. She claims that the officer ordered the man to drive the boy home and even threatened to arrest the man if he did not comply. The man’s blood-alcohol limit was twice the legal limit at the time of the accident. While driving, the man lost control of the car and slammed into a tree. The car then hit a fence and uprooted another tree, says a Manhattan Criminal Lawyer. The man claims he had no choice but to follow the police officers orders or face being arrested just like the mother.
The officer on the scene denies the mother’s story. According to the district attorney, the mother actually pleaded with the officer to let the man take the boy home. Witnesses at the hospital where the boy died stated they overheard the mother telling a relative that she did indeed ask the officer to let the man drive. The district attorney also claims several other inconsistencies in the man and the mother’s story. Apparently, the jury felt the same way and convicted the man of killing the boy.
It is unclear if the mother will face additional charges. The boy was killed last spring. The man was only recently sentenced for causing the boy’s death. The lawyer for the man stated during the trial that the man was a victim of entrapment because he was forced by the officer to drive while under the influence. The lawyer also claimed that is was “necessary” for the man to follow the police officers orders.
Contact a Stephen Bilkis and Associates when facing legal issues. Whether you have been charged with a DWI, drug crime or sex crime, we can ensure that your rights are protected. Our legal team will listen to you and expertly represent your side during a trial or during other legal procedures.