Dallas Drunk Driver Gets Maximum Sentence for Manslaughter

James Giraldo, now 27, is the drunk driver who killed Juliana Rincon-Cuartas while driving the wrong way on the Dallas North Tollway on October 4, 2008.  Giraldo had been drinking at a bar and ended up heading north in the southbound lanes of the tollway, ultimately slamming into another car head-on.  Rincon-Cuartas was a passenger in that car, and as a result of that impact, she died.  Giraldo’s blood alcohol level was .18 three hours after the crash.

On Friday he was finally sentenced to 20 years in prison, the maximum penalty possible.

He pled guilty to manslaughter and asked the Dallas County jury for leniency.  However, the jury was not very sympathetic considering he was also arrested for DWI last August, while out on bond.

Drunk drivers in Texas threaten the safety of everyone on or near our roads.  There is no excuse for drunk driving in Texas or any state.  Nationally, more than half a million people are injured in alcohol-related crashes each year.  Every 31 minutes, someone dies in an alcohol-related crash.

Drunk driving accidents can cause terrible injuries and wrongful death.  The responsible party, the driver who drank and drove, must be held financially accountable for the damages he or she has caused.  In many cases, the owner of the car that allowed the drunk to drive the car can also be held responsible as well under a theory of negligent entrustment.   Some of the worst automobile accidents are caused by drunk drivers.

If you or your family member are injured by a drunk driver, contact the experienced Houston Car Accident Lawyers of Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers immediately so we can aggressively represent you.  Our experienced, aggressive personal injury attorney, Jonathan Harris is Texas board certified in personal injury trial law.