Chauncey Smith Pled Guilty to Aggravated Vehicular Assault

Defendant Faces up to 3-9 Years in Prison

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Monday, May 6, 2024, Chauncey Smith, 22, of Pine Bush, pled guilty in Orange County Court to Aggravated Vehicular Assault.  Under the plea agreement announced on the record at the time that Smith pled guilty, he will face up to three (3) to nine (9) years in prison when he is sentenced on July 16, 2024.

As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, on August 14, 2023, Smith was operating a motor vehicle westbound on State Route 17K in the Town of Newburgh.  Smith’s vehicle crossed over the double yellow line dividing traffic and he collided head-on into a vehicle that was travelling eastbound.  As a result, a fifteen-year-old inside the other vehicle sustained injuries which resulted in the child being rendered paralyzed.  Another occupant of the victims’ vehicle sustained serious physical injury.  Smith admitted to the police that he had smoked marijuana, and a subsequent analysis of his blood confirmed the presence of marijuana.  At the plea proceedings, Smith admitted to recklessly driving his vehicle while impaired by the consumption of marijuana and that he caused serious physical injury to two people.

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the Town of Newburgh Police Department for their investigation which led to the arrest of Smith.  District Attorney Hoovler also thanked the New York State Police for their assistance in the investigation. 

“The consumption of marijuana remains dangerous and illegal when combined with driving a vehicle,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “In the wake of this reckless incident, we must emphasize the devastating consequences of drug-impaired driving. The disregard for safety exhibited by this defendant has resulted in severe, life-altering harm to innocent individuals. We will vigorously pursue justice for the victims, sending a clear message that such egregious behavior will not be tolerated in our community.”

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Julie Mohl. 

This criminal charge is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.