Driving to Endanger – Death Resulting Conviction

As reported by Tracy Breton in the December 18, 2010, Laura Reale was sentenced to ten (10) years at the ACI, eight (8) years to serve in connection with Colin Foote's death.  The accident which killed Colin Foote occurred in March of 2010.  Reale had pled to the charge of driving to endanger-death resulting and she was sentenced on December 17, 2010 in Superior Court.  In addition to the jail time, when she is released, she will be on probation, required to attending counseling and perform community service and lose her driver's license for five (5) years.

Under Rhode Island General Law, 31-27-1, Reale received the maximum penalties allowed.

When the death of any person ensues as a proximate result of an injury received by the operation of any vehicle in reckless disregard of the safety of others, including violations of § 31-27-22, the person so operating the vehicle shall be guilty of "driving so as to endanger, resulting in death."

Any person charged with the commission of this offense shall upon conviction be imprisoned for not more than ten (10) years and have his or her license to operate a motor vehicle suspended for no more than five (5) years.

Although Reale was not charged with possession of marijuana or other drug charges, the Judge stated that he believed marijuana played a role in the car accident.