Criminal Defense Lawyers
Specializing in DUI
August 12, 2013
Last Wednesday, a 25-year-old Everett woman named Vivencia Bellegarde was charged with OUI causing serious injury when she crashed into a Boston Globe delivery truck and ran it off of Interstate 93 and onto the Leverett Connector. The driver of the delivery truck was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital where he was said to be in fair condition.
According to police, the woman was also found to be in possession of three EBT cards, only one of which belonged to her. When asked why she had two other people’s EBT cards, the woman accused the police officer of being a racist, mocked him for having to pay for his food while she got hers for free, and threatened him with a Haitian voodoo curse. She also stated that she “didn’t care about the guy she hit because he isn’t dead and that all she cares about is smoking a cigarette.”
A spokesman for the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), which oversees welfare, said in a statement that the agency “will take appropriate action” in regards to Bellegarde’s possible fraudulent EBT card usage. The statement also explained that “DTA investigates every tip that it receives from members of the public or law enforcement, and refers cases to the auditor’s Bureau of Special Investigations for further action, which has the power to investigate potential criminal matters.”
Bellegarde is currently being held on $10,000 cash bail and is awaiting her day in court. It is very unlikely that any leniency will be shown to her because of her lawless actions and her obvious disregard for the safety and welfare of others on the road. Additionally, Bellegarde’s driving record includes 10 suspensions as well as a prior charge for OUI. Due to this being her second OUI offense, and her refusal to take a breathalyzer test, Bellegarde will surely have to deal with all RMV consequences; including license suspension and installation of an interlock ignition device in her car once her suspension has ended. She will also have to deal with heightened car insurance rates and pay all of the appropriate fines/fees.
Bellegarde also faces the possibility of being prosecuted criminally for her possession of two EBT cards that did not belong to her coupled with the statements she made in reference to them. In my opinion, Bellegarde’s best bet is to hire a skilled criminal defense attorney to help her fight her case by advising her of her rights, explaining possible penalties, and advocating on her behalf.
If you have been charged with an OUI, traffic offense or any other criminal offense in Massachusetts, contact my office immediately for your free initial consultation:
617-830-2188
www.urbelislaw.com