Monmouth County Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Monmouth County judge sentenced a former Long Branch resident to jail for fatally hitting and killing a Monmouth County University student while under the influence of drugs.
Joseph Stovall, 48, was sentenced Friday, November 4th for accident that occurred on September 11th, 2013. Stovall, under the influence of Xanax, crashed into two cars that were parked because of an earlier fender bender on Jolin Avenue in Long Branch. Victoria Tropper, 21, and Thomas Triano, 49, of Cherry Hill, NJ were the two drivers involved in the earlier fender bender. While exchanging information, Stovall swerved, crashing into Tropper and her car, killing the senior psychology student on impact. Triano, whom was lucky to survive, walked away with several cuts. Stovall pled guilty on June 24th vehicular homicide and assault by while being under the influence of a non-prescribed Xanax. The Schedule IV controlled substance contributed to Stovall’s sentencing.
Under the Controlled Substance Act, a controlled substance is defined as a drug that is illegal for sale or a drug used for medical purposes regulated by Federal and State law for distribution. Any controlled substance used for medical purposes must be obtained by a doctor’s prescription. The statute classifies all controlled substances into five “Schedules” with the most dangerous and addictive drugs falling under the 1st schedule. In the state of NJ driving under the influence of an illegally obtained schedule IV controlled substance is punishable by a heavy fine and/or jail time.
In this case, Judge Richard English of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s office sentenced Joseph Stovell to 5 years in a New Jersey State prison, without parole eligibility until the winter of 2020. Also, Stovell license was suspended indefinitely in the state of New Jersey.
New Jersey State Law involving DUI’s and drug possession can be extremely complicated. It is important that you hire an attorney that specializing in this area of criminal law and will fight for your rights. If you are a loved one is facing criminal charges, contact Tara Breslow, Esq. for a free consultation.
To read more about this case visit the NJ.com article, Man sentenced to prison for killing student in car crash.