What Caused this Driver to Receive a 15-Year Prison Sentence?

It appears justice has finally been served according to one family, although another side who had involvement with the fatal car accident may think otherwise. It occurred back in March of 2015 when Flory Hernandez, 25, lost her life as her boyfriend at the time was driving while under the influence. Car accident attorneys in Providence, Rhode Island recognize Jeremy Leiva, who was the motorist behind the wheel on that tragic day when his girlfriend did not survive the accident he caused. Not only was a life lost, but also much pain and suffering was sustained by the other drivers who were involved as well.

The boyfriend of Hernandez was driving drunk which ultimately led to the deadly crash.

WPRI 12 News highlighted the story on May 26, 2016, that recollected back on the horrific accident involving a pickup truck last year.  It was noted by police that “Leiva was driving south in the northbound lane of I-95 in Pawtucket when he struck an oncoming” vehicle. Hernandez was transported to the Rhode Island Hospital although she was pronounced dead upon arrival. Car crash lawyers in Rhode Island also recognize Andrea and Scott Spillane, who were the occupants of the involved vehicle, who suffered life-altering injuries due to the collision.

This past Thursday marked a moment in the lives of both families who were impacted by the crash. Leiva was sentenced to 15 years in prison where three of those years are to be spent at the ACI, “three on home confinement, and the rest on probation with a number of restrictions.” Auto accident lawyers note his sentence is scheduled to begin in August.

Driving while under the influence often leads to serious penalties for committing the crime.

It seems, though, that while two families were significantly impacted by the unfortunate injuries and losses that occurred, they each have a separate take on the results and sentencing Leiva has been faced with. Andrea Spillane, who lives “in pain and with arthritis daily,” hoped Leiva would be punished for his wrongdoing, and it appears that day has finally come. Spillane has had to undergo multiple surgeries and rehabilitation, yet “she will never walk properly again.”

On the other side, Hernandez’s family has commented on the conviction stating that they knew Leiva did not intentionally hurt their daughter, and that they “do not believe that sending him to jail would serve any purpose.” Providence, Rhode Island car accident legal representatives note Leiva was caring for Hernandez’s child prior to being sentenced, even though the child wasn’t his own.

Drunk driving not only places a driver’s life at risk, but all others on the roadway.

Unfortunately, the repercussions of driving dunk are often fatal ones, which is why those individuals who practice such behavior receive such harsh punishments. Not only does it serve as an example for others and remind them to refrain from engaging in such activity, but also to keep the charged individual from committing the same crime again.

Local car accident law firms in Providence take on many of these types of cases and acknowledge the seriousness of what comes out of driving while under the influence. As always, drivers are urged to never get behind the wheel of a vehicle if alcohol has been consumed.