Lawyer 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 following a guilty plea for vehicular homicide in connection with a fatal crash involving his self-driving Tesla. The incident occurred on August 26, 2022, in Boca Raton, Florida, when Dorfman's Tesla Model 3 collided with motorcyclist Ingrid Noon, 51, killing her, according to the Palm Beach Post.

Dorfman was driving at speeds exceeding 104 mph in a 45 mph zone when he rear-ended Noon as she attempted to stop for a yellow traffic light. Evidence gathered from the Tesla’s internal camera contradicted Dorfman's claim that Noon cut him off. Investigators found alcohol and marijuana in his system at the time of the crash.

Dorfman was originally charged with DUI manslaughter, but prosecutors agreed to drop this charge in exchange for his guilty plea to vehicular homicide. Following his prison sentence, he will serve seven years of probation. His defense attorney described Dorfman as remorseful for his actions.

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