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Vehicular Homicide Charges Filed Against Officer's Girlfriend

By Eddie Farah

A Jacksonville Sheriff Officer's girlfriend has been charged with his death in an auto accident.

50-year-old Officer Michael Hartsfield died July 30, when the car he was a passenger in crashed off Fort Caroline Road. It was driven by his friend, 45- year-old Vicki Mullins.

She reportedly lost control of the car on a curve during the evening hours, then the car bounced off the culvert before landing on its roof. The car was a convertible Ford Mustang.

Officer Hartsfield died at the hospital after he was cut out of the vehicle. Mullins was hurt also.

Now police say her blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit and they believe speed may have been a factor. She's been charged with DUI manslaughter and is jailed on $750,000 bond.

His family tells First Coast News they don't understand why Hartsfield got into a car with an intoxicated driver, but they are relieved that she has been charged.

"He probably had no understanding of what was happening when he got in that car," his son, John told the news channel.

A DUI vehicular manslaughter in the second degree can send someone to state prison for a minimum of 10 to 15 years, according to the sentencing guidelines. Conviction of a felony in the first degree can bring a 30 year sentence or even longer.

It is certainly something to consider if you plan to drink and drive. Just one error in judgment can have a lifetime consequence. It can happen to anyone.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Eddie Farah

Full post as published by Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer on September 16, 2008 (boomark / email).