Stallworth Back at Work Reflects on DUI Manslaughter Tragedy
Donte Stallworth is back at work with the Baltimore Ravens and faces the challenge of coming back after a DUI manslaughter conviction in which he accidentally killed a man while driving under the influence of alcohol. Stallworth pleaded guilt to DUI manslaughter after colliding with 59-year-old construction worker, Victor Reyes, with his Bentley. Reyes was crossing the causeway in Miami before he was hit on March 14, 2009. Stallworth's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was .126 at the time of the accident when he hit Reyes with his Bentley after partying at a South Beach hotel club.
Stallworth served a 24 day prison sentence that many critics characterized as too lenient. He was also sentenced to 1000 hours of community service, eight years probation and loss of his driving privileges for 5 years. Though Stallworth could have been sentenced up to 15 years in state prison, his attorneys speculate the lenient sentence was a function of Stallworth taking responsibility for his actions. "My mom (Donna) taught us to respect others and take responsibility for our actions and learn from our mistakes," said Stallworth.
Following the accident, Stallworth immediately called 911 in an effort to obtain medical assistance for Reyes. "One of the most important things you can do if you are involved in a DUI where someone is hurt is remain at the scene and obtain medical assistance for the injured person," said John Musca. "If you are involved in a DUI and leave the scene and fail to provide medical assistance to the injured person, you face additional charges and punishment.
The Baltimore Ravens decided to take a chance on Stallworth who was also suspended from the NFL for a year. The Ravens constitute the fifth NFL team for Stallworth since the New Orleans Saints drafted him out of Tennessee as a junior. Stallworth indicates he feels incredible remorse for the incident that haunts him to this day. "It's tough. It's a daily process. It's not something that now that I'm back playing . . . that it's in the back of my mind. It's something that I deal with every day waking up in the morning and going to sleep at night. It's a tough situation for everyone involved," said Stallworth.
Musca Law provides the highest quality criminal litigation services to the residents of Miami and the surrounding areas. Our Miami criminal defense attorneys have successfully tried, defended, and appealed hundreds of cases in both state and federal courts throughout Florida. These cases include, but are not limited to, felony cases, misdemeanor cases, DUI, drug crimes, federal crimes, domestic violence, theft crimes, sex crimes, probation violations, white collar crimes, violent crimes, and motor vehicle offenses.
