Truck Driver in Tracy Morgan Crash Won’t Go to Jail: Texas Truck Accident Lawyer Explains
Some States Offer Pre-Trial Intervention or Diversion Programs for Certain Offenders, Usually First-Time Offenders with No Criminal History
DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / December 22, 2016 / The June 2014 truck accident that seriously injured comedian Tracy Morgan and killed another passenger in Morgan’s limo bus has struck a deal with the state of New Jersey that allows him to avoid serving any jail time in connection with the vehicular homicide, aggravated manslaughter, and other charges he faced stemming from that accident. According to one report, the driver faced up to 30 years in prison – time he won’t have to serve now.
The news may come as a shock to many, considering the facts of the case. As reported by CNN, investigators determined that the semi-truck driver had already driven 12 hours from his home before getting in his truck to begin a 14-hour shift. When he began his shift, he had gone 25 hours without sleep. At the time of the accident, he was driving over 20 miles per hour faster than the speed limit in a construction zone. He fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into the back of Morgan’s limo bus.
Morgan settled a civil lawsuit for an undisclosed amount against both the truck driver and Walmart, the company the truck driver was working for. Now, the semi-truck driver’s lawyer has stated that prosecutors in his criminal case have agreed to a deal that allows him to avoid any time in prison.
What Are Pre-Trial Intervention Programs?
Texas truck accident lawyer Amy Witherite explains, “Some states offer pre-trial intervention or diversion programs for certain offenders, usually first-time offenders with no criminal history.”
The truck driver in the Morgan case has agreed to enter such a program, which will last for three years. During those three years, he must perform 300 hours of community service and avoid any criminal charges. If he successfully completes the pre-trial intervention program, he can ask the state to expunge his criminal record.
To qualify for the program, the driver was required to plead guilty to all of the charges against him. However, those charges are put on “hold” while he completes the pre-trial intervention program. The charges are dropped at the conclusion of the program, as long as he complies with all of its requirements.
The crash has prompted many to call for stricter regulations regarding semi-truck drivers who commute for work. Current federal hours-of-service regulations prohibit semi-truck drivers from exceeding 14 consecutive hours of driving time following 10 hours of continuous duty.
Attorney Witherite adds, “Anyone who has been injured in a semi-truck accident should speak to a Texas truck accident lawyer about their rights.”
Media Contact:
Lucy Tiseo
Eberstein & Witherite, LLP
Phone: 800-878-2597
Email: lucy.tiseo@ewlawyers.com
www.1800truckwreck.com
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SOURCE: Eberstein & Witherite, LLP via Submit Press Release 123
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