Lapeer woman found guilty for two charges in crash that killed her 6-year-old son
Danyelle Pressey, a 36-year-old woman was found guilty of causing the death of her son in a car crash in a June 12 trial.
On Dec. 3, 2024, Pressey was driving her car in Ypsilanti Township when she drove into a tree. Her 6-year-old son, Jameson Pressey died in the crash. Pressey was found to have THC and amphetamines in her system and a blood alcohol content of 0.038.
Jameson was not belted properly at the time of the crash and Pressey was speeding according to information released in the arraignment hearing. Pressey was charged with operating while intoxicated causing death and second-degree child abuse.
Michael Gatti, Pressey’s public defense attorney, said during the hearing that the amphetamine was a prescribed medication.
A jury found 36-year-old Pressey guilty of both misdemeanors. Pressey faces up to one year in custody. Pressey is set to be sentenced July 9 before Washington, court records show. Her bond was revoked.
Legal Issues After a Fatal Vehicle Crash
After a Michigan crash there are two claim paths that may be available, a criminal/civil suit or insurance issues. The misdemeanor verdict reported here is part of the criminal case. It does not, by itself, answer which no-fault insurer is responsible for benefits, whether the child's estate has a claim or how any coverage issue should be handled.
No-fault benefits can help cover economic losses from the crash such as allowable medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services or attendant care.
Recovering noneconomic losses usually requires a separate claim against an at-fault driver. This would only be an option if the injuries meet the state’s threshold of serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement or death.
Michigan Drunk Driving Laws
Under Michigan law, drivers generally may not operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated, while visibly impaired by alcohol or drugs, or with a prohibited bodily alcohol content.
Michigan law defines operating while intoxicated as having a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or more, or being under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or other “intoxicating substance” or a combination of such substances.
A drunk driving crash that causes serious injury or death can lead to serious criminal penalties, including felony charges, fines, possible imprisonment and driver’s license consequences.
For injured people, a drunk driving crash may also create civil claims in addition to Michigan no-fault benefits. Depending on the facts, an injured person may be able to pursue compensation from the impaired driver for pain and suffering, excess economic losses or other damages allowed under Michigan law.
Get Help From Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Our attorneys help injured people and grieving families across Michigan with fatal car crashes, No-Fault claims, survivor-benefit issues, wrongful death cases, and insurance disputes.
If your family has questions after a fatal Michigan crash, call Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 or contact us for a free consultation.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.