State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Zachary Richards plead to the charges of DUI Manslaughter, DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury, and other related charges, and was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Thomas Krug to nine (9) years in Florida state prison, followed by six (6) years of probation.

On March 30, 2021, Richards consumed alcohol at Linksters for nearly seven hours before driving his work van northbound on U.S. 41 at speeds in excess of 95 MPH with no headlights.   At the same time, a motorcyclist, who also had been drinking, and his passenger, rode south on U.S. 41. As the motorcyclist approached Palm Harbor Drive, he turned left to enter their neighborhood and into the path of Richards. The resulting catastrophic collision took the life the motorcyclist and caused horrific injuries to his passenger.

Nearly five hours after the crash, Richards’ blood alcohol level was .173, still more than double the legal limit in Florida.   The victim motorcyclist’s blood alcohol level was .176.

Neither Richards nor the motorcyclist had any prior criminal history.

Florida law treats impaired drivers whose operation of a motor vehicle contributes to the death or serious bodily injury of a victim the same as if the impaired driver had solely caused the death or serious bodily injury.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Greiner commented,

“That evening, two hard working and well-respected family men each made the terrible decision to drink and drive. One will pay for his decision by being away from his family for nearly a decade in prison. The other, paid with his life.”

The Office of the State Attorney urges members of our community to formulate and follow a plan to safely return to their loved ones if they chose to consume alcohol, and to do before the effects of alcohol begin to impair one’s judgement.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Greiner in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.