Barton DWI Trial To Start Today
John Patrick Barton, 30, of Louisville is set to stand trial this week for two (2) counts of murder and three (3) counts of intoxicated assault with a motor vehicle related to a car crash that killed Kandace Hull (age 33) and her daughter Autumn Caudle (age 13). Ms. Hull’s husband and two children were also injured in the collision. It is alleged that Barton was intoxicated at the time he crashed into Hull’s car. If convicted, Barton faces a prison term of 5 years to life.
Prior to this crash, Barton had three (3) prior driving while intoxicated convictions. Police and prosecutors have not released Barton’s blood alcohol level at the time of the crash, however, it is believed that Barton had consumed alcohol prior to the collision. Witnesses allegedly saw Barton’s car speeding and swerving before it crashed into Hull’s 2009 Nisson Sentra.
At the time of the crash, Barton was on parole after serving ten months of a 3 year prison sentence related to a prior driving while intoxicated conviction. As a condition of his parole, Barton was not permitted to drive a vehicle unless it was equipped with a locking mechanism that would prevent him from driving if he had consumed alcohol.
At the time of the crash, however, Barton (in violation of his parole) was driving his wife’s automobile. As such, Barton is subject to having his parole revoked with respect to his prior conviction and may be required to complete his 3 year prison term.
Over the past 20 years states across the country have passed stricter laws related to driving while intoxicated. Moreover, due in part to changes in social norms and political pressure, judges and juries have become far less reluctant to impose strict sentences (included extended jail time) in DWI cases that involve repeat offenders, accidents, injuries, and/or death.
Being charged with a DWI is a serious matter that can affect a person for the rest of their life. If you have been charged with a DWI, you need an experienced Dallas criminal attorney to help you navigate your case through the system. Tom D’Amore has been practicing criminal law in Dallas for more than 22 years. Contact Tom D’Amore at the D’Amore Law Firm to arrange a free case review with Tom. Do not delay. Your situation will not improve until you begin the process of handling the DWI case filed against you.