News / Law
Pennsylvania Man Who Killed Friend in Drunken Shooting Accident Gets Sentenced to Jail for DUI
A Chester County man, Sean Owen O’Neill, 23, was sentenced to 60 to 180 days in jail for a first time DUI arrest after the judge presiding over his case gave him a long lecture.
A 60 day jail sentence is unusual for 1st time DUI offences, his DUI lawyer asked for a 72 hour sentence, but the judge gave him a harsh sentence because of his previous record and the alcohol-related problems that have plagued his family.
In 2006, O’Neill accidently shot Scott Sheridan, his best friend, after a night of drinking at the O’Neill home. Sheridan died as a result and O’Neill was adjudicated for involuntary manslaughter charges.
O’Neill received his first DUI last Thanksgiving when he crashed his vehicle into home. When police arrived O’Neill was trying to pull his Escalade free. He failed a field sobriety test and his blood alcohol level was .258.
The O’Neill family has a history of alcohol abuse which the judge took into consideration for sentencing. His sister caused a DUI accident in 2008 that took the life of a local grandmother. His father spent 180 days in jail for weapons violations following the shooting accident, and was deported to his native Ireland.
Typically, a DUI attorney can prevent their clients from spending any time in jail for a first offense. They are often able to get the charges reduced to a minor offense.
Regardless of whether you are facing one or multiple drunk driving offenses, a skilled DUI lawyer will fight to prevent a conviction and help their clients avoid a harsh penalty.
