It Can Happen To Anyone

One the of things I have learned over my years as a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney is that good people often find themselves on the wrong side of the law. Sometimes out of desperation, sometimes out of a momentary lapse in judgment.

A prime example is the case of Captain Scott Sciple, USMC. Capt. Sciple served four tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. While back in the states recovering from an injury – and awaiting to return for a fifth tour – Capt. Sciple suffered a massive lapse in judgment which led to the death of Pedro Rivera.

Capt. Sciple has been formally charged with DUI Manslaughter in the death of Mr. Rivera. According to a report by the St. Petersburg Times, Capt. Sciple drove his car the wrong way on I-275 and caused a head-on crash with Rivera’s car. Blood tests taken by law enforcement showed a blood alcohol level of .255 – more than three times the legal limit of .08.

While Capt. Sciple has served his country admirably, and most likely had no intention of harming anyone that morning, his actions have led to a horrific and tragic result.