Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Cleveland Browns' star pleads guilty to DUI manslaughter

Cleveland Browns' wide receiver Donte Stallworth today pled guilty to DUI manslaughter in a Miami-Dade County court this morning. As part of his plea agreement, Mr. Stallworth will serve 30 days in the county jail followed by two years of house arrest and eight years of probation. In addition, Mr. Stallworth will face a lifetime suspension of his driver's license; though he may petition the court for an occupational license after five years. He must also perform 1,000 hours of community service.

Mr. Stallworth struck and killed Mario Reyes on the morning of March 14, 2009 after a night of drinking. Mr. Stallworth's blood alcohol concentration was .126, well above Florida's legal limit of .08.

Mr. Stallworth also reached a confidential settlement agreement with Mr. Reyes' family to avoid further civil litigation. He faced up to 15 years in prison.

In Texas, DWI manslaughter is a second-degree felony and carries a sentence of from 2 to 20 years in prison. While probation is permitted, the statute requires a minimum of 120 days in jail as a condition.

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