A woman who lost her job as a sheriff's deputy in Virginia Beach after a January 2009 arrest for driving under the influence has been sentenced to six years in prison after a subsequent DUI collision just two months later. Twenty-four year-old Lisa Marie Schettler, of Virginia Beach, is said to have been intoxicated when she collided head-on into a car carrying Donald and Elaine Gay in March 2009.

Schettler registered a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.44 on the night of the collision and maintains that she has no recollection of the events leading up to the accident or the incident itself. Schettler collided with a Ford Flex carrying the Gays after her vehicle crossed a double yellow line on March 9th of last year. Both Schettler and the couple were injured in the accident on Birdneck Road in Virginia Beach.

Judge Edward W. Hanson, who handed down Schettler's sentence, commented on the incident leading to the former law enforcement official's arrest:

"This is a tragic case. Such reckless disregard for others demands serious punishment."

Schettler pled guilty to one count each of "driving reckless under the influence where the victim was permanently impaired" and "DUI second conviction within five years." Judge Hanson sentenced her to five years for the DUI and an additional year for the second offense charge. A year and a half of the sentence was suspended pending supervised probation and ten years of good behavior, and Schettler's license was revoked. A DUI arrest is a serious charge carrying long-term consequences. Especially in circumstances where a previous DUI charge has occurred, finding an experienced Virginia DUI lawyer can help procure the most favorable outcome for your case.

This article is presented by The Law Office of Price Benowitz, LLP, serving Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. For more information, please visit our Maryland DUI Lawyer and DC Criminal Lawyer websites.