Legal Analysis: Judge Grants “Youthful Offender Status” During Sentencing in Triple Fatal Crash Case

A 19-year-old Western New Yorker was recently granted “youthful offender status” during sentencing in a case that involved a triple fatal car crash.

The defendant, who was 18 at the time of the crash, pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree manslaughter and reckless driving. It is up to the discretion of the judge in the case whether the defendant would be granted “youthful offender status.” The families of the victims in this case, as well as the District Attorney, opposed “youthful offender status” being granted in this case.

Attorney Barry Covert sat down for an in-studio interview with WIVB anchors Jordan Norkus and Dave Greber, to provide legal analysis on the sentencing in this case.

During their interview, Barry Covert discussed several topics regarding this case, including:

• What is “youthful offender status” in a New York State felony case?
• What factors does a judge consider when granting youthful offender status?
• How long will the guilty driver in this case be incarcerated?
• How does youthful offender status impact someone’s criminal record as an adult?

For WIVB’s full interview with Barry Covert, click this link or watch the video below.