Fannin County Georgia Judge Killed By Alleged DUI Driver in Motorcycle Wreck

Fannin County Chief Magistrate Judge Ronald Newton was killed Sunday in a motorcycle crash on GA Highway 60 near Mineral Bluff, Georgia.

According to the AJC, Judge Newton and his wife Rita were riding their motorcycle Sunday afternoon when a Mazda Protégé driven by Larry Eugene Jones, 60, of Morganton, hit them head-on.

The Georgia State Patrol said Jones' car crossed into the lane of the motorcycle and hit the bike.

The judge was killed in the crash and his wife Rita was taken to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee for significant injuries and was in critical condition.  Jones was not injured, but is being held at the Fannin County GA Detention Center.  According to GSP, Jones had consumed alcohol, but refused the State-administered test of his blood, breath, or urine.  An order was signed by a superior court judge for blood to be collected from Jones for testing.

Jones was charged Monday with DUI, first degree vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle, failure to maintain lane, and possessing an open container of alcohol.

First degree vehicular homicide can be charged when a person is found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Unless a habitual violator, a person convicted of first degree vehicular homicide can expect a sentence of no less than three years or no more than fifteen years in prison.  A judge may use their discretion and make some or all the sentence to be served on probation.

If a person is a habitual violator and has a suspended license, the punishment increases to twenty years in prison, and at least one year must be served in prison.   Anyone that is convicted of first degree vehicular homicide will have their license suspended for three years with no early reinstatement, even if the person is placed on probation.

Clearly with these potential consequences, the accused will need the best Fannin County DUI Lawyer he can find.

Obviously any crime that results in the death of another person is quite serious and requires a serious legal defense.  If you have been charged with vehicular homicide or serious injury by vehicle, contact the Law Offices of Richard Lawson today and let one of their attorneys work to protect your rights and guide you through this difficult and trying time.  The initial consultation is free so why wait?  Call NOW.