Drunken driver gets 8-1/2 years for causing fatal wreck

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March 5

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced Tuesday that a 31-year-old man has been sentenced to 8-1/2 years in prison for causing the one-car wreck that killed a Plainfield woman last year.

James O. Patrick, of 427 Champlain, Joliet, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of aggravated driving while under the influence of alcohol, a Class 2 felony punishable by 3-14 years in prison. Aggravated DUI involving a death carries the same potential penalties as those in the former reckless homicide statute. 

Lisa A. Webb, 39, was killed in the crash that occurred near the intersection of Woodruff and Hacker in Joliet on the morning of Nov. 5, 2006. Webb, the front-seat passenger in the car, was pronounced dead at the scene. A backseat passenger, Crystel R. Miller, 24, was treated for her injuries.

The westbound Chevrolet Monte Carlo Patrick was driving veered off the road and struck a tree and a utility box.

Patrick’s blood-alcohol level tested at .210. The legal limit is .08. Patrick’s blood on the day of the collision also tested positive for marijuana, cocaine and PCP.

Assistant State’s Attorney Steve Platek prosecuted the case.