Battle DUI Law Blog

Former Deputy Sentenced For Virginia DUI

In June, a former Virginia Beach sheriff's deputy was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison for her second Virginia DUI offense within a 5-year period. The sentence was handed down to Lisa Marie Schettler, who had been employed as a sheriff's deputy when she received her first Virginia DUI in 2009. As a result of that conviction, Schettler was terminated from her post with the Virginia Beach police.

But just 2 months later, things took a turn for the worse when Schettler caused a head-on collision on Birdneck Road. Donald and Elaine Gay suffered serious injuries when Schettler, 24, was again determined to have been driving illegally under the influence of alcohol.

In the collision, Donald, 63, suffered broken bones in his right wrist, while Elaine, 62, suffered injuries to her ankles and knees. In court, Schettler pled guilty to a charge of Virginia DUI with serious injury and a second DUI offense within a 5-year period. The circuit court judge who presided over the case said that her "reckless disregard for others demanded serious punishment." The judge said that the Gays were fortunate in that they weren't injured even more seriously.

Virginia DUI Lawyer Bob Battle has the experience and ability to help his clients use the prosecution's errors to mount a successful DUI defense. To learn more about Virginia DUI, get a free copy of Bob Battle's consumer guide, How to Choose a DUI Lawyer in Virginia. Or, contact 804-673-5600 to schedule your legal consultation today.