Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On March 25, 2012 two people died in a fatal car crash determined to have been caused by reckless driving. John Rick, a 19-year-old Jackson resident, was recently sentenced to 60 days in jail and one year of probation after the jury found him guilty on two counts of reckless driving; he was found not guilty on two charges of reckless driving causing the deaths of the victims, 20-year-old Dylan Briningstool and his girlfriend, Icy James.
At issue in the January trial was whether Rick’s driving was the direct cause of the deaths of his friends. Briningstool and Rick were driving at speeds of approximately 100 mph, both heading north in Waterloo Township on Mount Hope Road when the vehicles collided, sending both cars off the road. Briningstool’s brother was riding in the back seat of Dylan’s vehicle when they noticed lights ahead, and Dylan attempted to get back into the northbound lane, striking Rick’s Grand Prix. It was debated at trial whether Rick’s criminal liability in the accident was negated by Briningstool’s actions.
Ultimately, Rick was not held liable for the deaths; his attorney, Michael Falahee, said that “Rick feels terrible, and always will.” He said that the defense felt that the jury made the right decision in not finding Rick responsible for the deaths of his friends.
Jackson County Circuit Judge Susan Beebe told Rick “You made a very poor choice that ultimately ended up with someone dead.” Ted Briningstool, Dylan’s father, said that he prays that Rick will take away the lesson that speed kills from this accident. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Mark Blumer told the court that both Rick and Briningstool were responsible for the tragedy, and that both vehicles were driving at speeds of approximately 100 mph in a no passing zone when the accident occurred.
Rick’s driver’s license was also suspended.
While this is a horrible tragedy, Michigan drivers license restoration lawyers know that being denied the privilege to drive makes living a normal life virtually impossible. Individuals driver’s licenses are often suspended or revoked due to repeated DUI offenses, drug crimes, and reckless driving.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, it may be possible to have it reinstated. Speak with an experienced Michigan drivers license restoration attorney regarding whether it may be possible to have your driving privilege restored.