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Mom Sentenced In Wreck That Killed Son

By Eddie Farah

A Jacksonville mother has a long time to think about that day in March of 2008.

She was speeding on a rain-slicked road, with her nine-year-old son in the car. Police estimate she may have been traveling in excess of 90 mph when she lost control of her car and hit a tree. Her son, Michael, was killed.

This week Darlene Johns was sentenced to 30 months in prison and seven years probation during which time she will not be allowed to drive.

We extend our condolences to both of Michael's parents and family for his loss.

According to the sentencing guidelines, the 32-year-old could have spent up to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to vehicular homicide. Vehicular homicide is the killing of a human being, 'caused by the operation of a motor vehicle by another in a reckless manner likely to cause the death of, or great bodily harm to, another.'

Instead, Circuit Judge Michael Weatherby ordered seven years of probation, essentially cutting her some slack. The sentence was shorter than Michael's father's family had requested, but the guidelines are just that, a guideline.

Darlene John's sister said she was a good mother who would have given her own life for her son.

Carlene Deen told the media, "My sister does not deserve to go through what she's going through. She has the loss of a child. She has another child at home she will be without. She does not deserve what she's going through." #

At Farah and Farah, we see the tragic results of traffic accidents every day. Speeding is never worth the price.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Eddie Farah

Full post as published by Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer on May 13, 2009 (boomark / email).