Yorktown Woman Sentenced 5+ Years for Fatal 2023 DUI Crash [HAMPTON, VA]

In connection with a fatal 2023 DUI crash, a Yorktown woman, Alana F. Diomande, has been sentenced to five years and 15 days in prison.

The incident took place on October 8, 2023, when 27-year-old Diomande ran off the road, sideswiping a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) safety service truck and striking Craig Boone, a 52-year-old VDOT safety service patroller. Boone had stopped on I-64 eastbound in Hampton to assist a disabled vehicle when he was fatally struck. Boone tragically died on impact.

According to police reports, Diomande was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Her blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.133 percent, well above Virginia’s legal limit of 0.08 percent. Diomande’s refusal to cooperate with officers at the scene necessitated her removal for a mandatory blood withdrawal. She was subsequently charged with driving under the influence (DUI), involuntary manslaughter, obstruction of justice, and abusive language.

During the court proceedings, the Commonwealth’s Attorney called for a sentence above the typical guidelines, citing the severity of the crash and its devastating outcome. However, Diomande’s defense sought leniency, highlighting her military service and personal remorse. The presiding judge acknowledged Diomande’s remorse but emphasized the gravity of the offense, ultimately sentencing her to an active five-year prison term, 15 additional days in custody, substance abuse counseling, a suspended driver’s license, and a $1,000 fine.

Compensation for Victims of Fatal DUI Crashes

In cases like this fatal 2023 DUI crash, the victim’s family has legal avenues to pursue compensation for their losses. In Virginia, surviving family members of victims of fatal car accidents may be eligible for several types of compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. Compensation can include damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, pain, and suffering, and the loss of financial support that the deceased may have provided.

For families grieving the loss of a loved one in a preventable accident, no monetary award can truly fill the void left by their passing. However, compensation can help ease some of the financial burdens during an already difficult time. In this case, Craig Boone’s family could seek to recover damages for his untimely death caused by Diomande’s actions.

How Our Attorneys at Breit Law Will Help

At Breit Law, we understand the emotional and financial toll that losing a loved one in a DUI crash can cause. Our attorneys specialize in car accident cases and work tirelessly to ensure that families receive the compensation they deserve. With our extensive experience handling wrongful death claims, we will assist in gathering all the necessary evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony, to build a strong case on your behalf.

We take a compassionate yet aggressive approach, advocating for your rights while ensuring the responsible party is held accountable. We are here to guide you through the legal process every step of the way, helping you secure compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, and emotional suffering.

It’s important to have experienced wrongful death lawyers on your side when losing a loved one in a car accident. Call us at 757-330-4108 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone, text, and online chat.

Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Should you identify any inaccuracies, please notify Breit Law Attorneys for corrections. Posts will be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident

Source: WAVY