Drunk Driver Without License Gets Probation and Ordered to Pay €4,000 for Car
A man who caused a traffic accident in Ogre while drunk and without a driver's license has been sentenced to probation and must compensate the full value of the vehicle he used.
On June 25, the Eastern Zemgale Prosecutor's Office concluded a criminal case against a man (identified as Ivars A., name changed) who, on the evening of May 24, drove a car while intoxicated and without a valid driver's license—his license had previously been revoked. He caused a collision while navigating a roundabout. A breathalyzer test showed an alcohol concentration of 2.22 per mille.
The accused fully admitted his guilt and expressed remorse, which was considered a mitigating factor. He agreed to have the case concluded via a prosecutor's order. The man is a Latvian citizen, divorced, with secondary education, formally employed, and has four minor dependents. He has a prior criminal record, but it has been expunged. He owns neither a vehicle nor real estate.
The prosecutor determined that the goals of punishment could be achieved without incarceration, so the court imposed two years of probation supervision. During this time, he must participate in social behavior correction and rehabilitation programs. Additionally, he received a five-year driving ban—since he already had no license, this effectively prevents him from obtaining one during that period.
Because the car involved in the accident belonged to someone else, it was not confiscated. Instead, the man must pay its full estimated value of €4,000 to the state. He agreed to this condition.
