The Chicago Tribune reports on a 25-year-old Aurora man who pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated DUI for an Aug. 4, 2007 crash that resulted in the death of his two passengers. Authorities also told reporters that the Nissan Sentra driven by Thomas G. Ofenloch was traveling 100 mph at the time of the accident.
Kane County Assistant State's Atty. Greg Sams said the following at a hearing, as quoted by the Tribune:
"The Nissan, for all intents and purposes, was split in two."
Illinios DUI attorney J. Brick Van Der Snick, Mr. Ofenloch's counsel, argued that his client deserves some credit for "dutifully" appearing for all of his court dates after the judge revoked his bond and ordered him held until sentencing. Mr. Sams reportedly had asked for the revocation. Mr. Ofenloch had been free on bond prior to the hearing.
All three young men were drinking at a party, but a witness told police that Mr. Ofenloch "was in the worst shape of all of them." His blood alcohol concentration was not reported.
Mr. Ofenloch's Nissan Sentra was going more than 100 mph when he reportedly drove it through a T-intersection in Sugar Grove; launching the car into a field and then into a tree. Mr. Ofenloch and his two passengers were wearing their seatbelts, but the front-seat passenger's belt was snapped upon impact; causing him to eject from the car.
The other passenger was in the back seat but the article doesn't say what led to his death. Mr. Ofenloch walked away with just minor injuries.
Mr. Ofenloch could go to prison for six to 28 years, according to Illinois sentencing guidelines cited in the article. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 26.
Related Resources:
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DUI - Sentencing (FindLaw)
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Felony DUIs in Illinois (FindLaw KnowledgeBase)
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Directory of Chicago DUI Lawyers (FindLaw)
