Woman Who Crashed through Cemetery Gates Sentenced

download (65)There is nothing wrong with ringing in the New Year with a few drinks. However getting behind the wheel while you are intoxicated can have some serious and unintended consequences. That is what a woman who is accused of drunk driving and crashing through the iron gates of the Allegheny Cemetery and was found guilty is currently facing.

According to court records, the incident happened at approximately 2:00 a.m. on January 1 when D’anne Olivis, 25, drove her vehicle to the Allegheny Cemetery in Lawrenceville and crashed it through cast-iron gate. The structure of the gates was shattered and Olivis’ vehicle was totaled.

Olivis was transported to the hospital. In spite of crashing into a cast iron gate, neither she nor any of her passengers were seriously injured.

David Michener, CEO and President of Allegheny Cemetery said that because the historic gate shattered into hundreds of pieces, any of them might have gone through the windshield of the car and injured those inside. The gate is a complete loss in spite of attempts to put the original parts back together. A new gate will have to be constructed.

Olivis pleaded guilty to the charge of DUI. The judge, Joseph Williams sentenced Olivis to 180 days in jail. He also ordered Olivis to pay $5,000 in restitution to pay for the gate, even though the fine is just a fraction of the estimated $65,000 that it will cost to replace the historic cemetery gate. It is hoped that Olivis’ insurance will cover the costs that her fine does not.

If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI or any other alcohol related offense, that’s the time to call the offices of Steven E. Kellis. Steven Kellis has over 30 years of experience on both sides of the courtroom representing clients in the area of DUI / DWI.

The law offices of Steven E. Kellis are ready and available for your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Your initial consultation and legal analysis is always without cost or any obligation to you. Even if you are currently in jail, Mr. Kellis will come to you. Call the toll free number on your screen or use the contact form here on the site.