The fallout from a fatal DWI accident is devastating to nearly everyone it touches.

Of course, the trauma the victim's loved ones experience cannot be minimized. However, the driver in a New York drunk driving accident will also encounter significant legal and emotional consequences.

In addition to the penalties for driving while intoxicated, the driver may face felony charges for vehicular manslaughter. A conviction for vehicular manslaughter often comes with a jail sentence that can separate parents from their families, interrupt the pursuit of education or irreparably damage a career.

In addition, the driver will have to live every day with the knowledge that their actions took the life of someone else - a punishment that is often much worse than any a court could impose.

Judge Rewards Remorse and Service

One New York college student is using her drunk driving experiences as a tool to help others avoid making the same mistakes she did.

One year ago, the student caused a DWI accident that killed one of her best friends. Since the accident, she has worked to restore her relationship with the victim's family and has started speaking to student groups about the dangers of driving drunk.

After the accident, the student pleaded guilty to second degree vehicular manslaughter and was sentenced to six months in jail and five years probation. However, the judge was so touched by the student's community service and sincere remorse that he agreed to modify the sentence so that she could finish her education. Instead of being sent immediately to jail, she will be allowed to serve a weekends-only sentence until her classes are complete.

The judge said he felt moved to strike a balance between accountability and the student's ability to move on with her life. The victim's family openly supported his decision.

Source: Democrat and Chronicle, "Danielle Pitcher Sentenced in Crash That Killed Nazareth College Friend," Victoria E. Freile, Jan. 11, 2012.