Attorney Sentenced to Two Years for Fatal Self-Driving Tesla Crash

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Richard Daniel Dorfman, a 42-year-old attorney, has been sentenced to two years in prison for vehicular homicide in relation to a fatal crash involving his self-driving Tesla, which killed motorcyclist Ingrid Noon in Boca Raton, Florida. According to court records, the incident occurred on August 26, 2022, when Dorfman’s Tesla exceeded the 45 mph speed limit and collided with Noon’s motorcycle, causing her to sustain fatal injuries. The attorney had pleaded guilty in December, and the prosecution agreed to drop a DUI manslaughter charge as part of the plea deal.

Investigators reported that Dorfman's vehicle accelerated to 104 mph right before the collision, while Noon had been slowing down for a yellow traffic light. Court documents indicated that Dorfman showed signs of intoxication at the scene, including slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, with subsequent blood tests revealing both marijuana and alcohol in his system. Following his prison term, Dorfman will serve seven years of probation. His attorney expressed that Dorfman feels deep remorse for his actions.

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