Prison sentence for DUI with injury

District Judge Michael Gibbons sentenced a 57-year-old Gardnerville man to 10 years in Nevada State Prison on Monday for a drunk driving accident that seriously injured a Topaz Ranch Estates woman and the defendant.

Randy D. Vaught must serve a minimum of 32 months before he is eligible for parole.

Vaught pleaded guilty to driving under the influence causing substantial bodily harm.

Gibbons said with Vaught's three prior DUI convictions, including a felony, he deserved the maximum. But Gibbons said he took into account Vaught's injuries.

"I just hope you never drink again," Gibbons said.

Vaught, who had a blood-alcohol content of .216 the night of the Jan. 14 accident, said he already quit.

"It's gone," he said.

The 53-year-old victim said the accident ruined her life, cost her job and left her in constant pain. She has undergone surgery for injuries to her left arm and faces additional procedures.

"Now, I think, who's going to pay for my insurance, my doctor bills, my lawyer, my insurance, my income?" she said.

"I would love to know how long he (Vaught) is going to be in jail," she said. "I have no idea how long until I recover."

The woman said she realized Vaught was injured, but said that was his fault.

"You're a grown-up man. You're not a kid any more," she said.

He apologized and said the accident destroyed his family. He suffered serious injuries to his face and leg and is confined to a wheelchair.

The victim's lawyer, Tianna Clore, said medical bills had surpassed $175,000 and she faced more surgery.

She has health insurance through her husband, a Navy veteran.

Attorney Kris Brown said Vaught was very remorseful. She said because of his injuries, he wouldn't be able to earn good time credits in prison.

She said he had a criminal record, but had been law-abiding since the 1990s until the accident.

According to court documents, on Jan. 14 just before midnight, Vaught crossed over the centerline causing a head-on accident at Highway 395 and Jake's Hill that resulted in both he and the other driver being taken to Renown Regional Medical Center for treatment.