2022-12-21 1

JONATHAN SMITH SENTENCED TO 8 YEARS IN TDCJ FOR INTOXICATION ASSAULT

On December 20, 2022, the 251st District Court sentenced Jonathan Smith to 8 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice- Institutional Division. The maximum punishment he could have received was 10 years.

The case stems from a July 3, 2021 incident in which the defendant was driving a truck in the Southlawn area of Amarillo when he crossed over the center lane striking another vehicle, head on. The evidence showed the defendant legally intoxicated on alcohol and the defendant admitted to being under the influence of narcotics as well.

Both passengers of the vehicle that was struck were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. One victim suffered multiple compound fractures to both legs, a broken clavicle and other broken bones. The other victim suffered a broken hip among other injuries. Both victims had multiple surgeries, extensive rehabilitation and continue to suffer limitations to their mobility to this day.

The defendant was charged with two counts of Intoxication Assault Causing Serious Bodily Injury. He plead guilty to both counts but entered into a contested hearing to determine his punishment. At the punishment phase, the state called multiple witnesses, including the victims as well as law enforcement and civilians who provided testimony of prior alcohol offenses and accidents as well as continued drinking and drug use after the accident. The defendant asked for probation and argued that because he had not previously been convicted of a felony or a DWI that he should be given a chance in the community.

Prosecutors argued that the defendant's actions showed a lack of regard for the community, that the defendant had not learned anything from the tragic accident that he caused as he had continued drinking and using illegal substances even after causing these injuries to the victims. Further, they argued that the victim's lives had been changed forever through the scars on their bodies, the pain they feel every day, and the trauma they have to relive.

District Attorney Robert Love stated that this case is a powerful reminder of the dangers of driving while intoxicated. "With one horrible and reckless decision, the defendant in this case forever altered the lives of both of the victims as well as his own life. With the holidays approaching this case is a powerful reminder to make better choices about drinking and driving--and just don't do it."