Last summer, a major crash in Maryland made headlines when a former high school quarterback crashed his vehicle while intoxicated, killing two of his friends. On Thursday, June 9, he was sentenced to four years in prison for fatal DUI.

The 19-year-old from North Potomac was officially sentenced to 20 years, but had all but four years suspended. Also included in his sentence are five years of probation, mandated use of an ignition interlock device during probation and 500 hours of community service. He will serve out his sentence in state prison.

The teen had hoped for a lighter sentence, saying in court that he could be of use to the community through his service. He had pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular manslaughter in April.

Accident overview

The accident in question occurred in June 2015, when the quarterback and three friends went to a party together where they consumed alcohol. They were reportedly on their way to another party when the 19-year-old man, who was driving while drunk, lost control of his car at a high speed and slammed into some trees. Two of the passengers were killed, and one suffered a serious spinal injury.

Motorists who get behind the wheel while intoxicated have the potential to cause serious accidents and injuries. The penalties for driving under the influence are steep in Maryland, with even a first offense resulting in up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. Subsequent convictions come with even more severe penalties for those convicted.

If you or someone you know has been accused of drunk driving, speak with an experienced La Plata DUI defense attorney at Mudd, Mudd & Fitzgerald, P.A