Orange county man sentenced in impaired driving case that paralyzed teen

Orange County Man Sentenced in Impaired Driving Case That Paralyzed Teen

by
July 18, 2024

Orange County, NY – Chauncey Smith, 23, of Pine Bush, has been sentenced to three to nine years in prison for a crash that severely injured a teenager, announced Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler.

On Tuesday, Smith received his sentence in Orange County Court following his earlier guilty plea to Aggravated Vehicular Assault. The charge stemmed from an incident on August 14, 2023, where Smith, impaired by marijuana, drove his vehicle across the centerline on State Route 17K in the Town of Newburgh, colliding head-on with an eastbound vehicle. The crash left a fifteen-year-old passenger paralyzed and another occupant seriously injured.

During the sentencing, the paralyzed teen spoke about the profound impact Smith’s actions have had on his life. Smith admitted to smoking marijuana prior to the crash, and his blood analysis confirmed the presence of the drug.

The District Attorney expressed gratitude towards the Town of Newburgh Police Department and the New York State Police for their roles in the investigation leading to Smith’s arrest and conviction.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

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