LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
Three families have received justice after a devastating crash involving a drunk driver. They waited more than four years for Lacey Ambro to face a judge and receive her sentence.
"I do take responsibility for - for my actions that night," Lacey Ambro, now 22, said through tears as she addressed the court Thursday.
Ambro said she accepts responsibility and the consequences for driving drunk on February 13, 2008 - the day she and three passengers were on US 95 near Durango.
Ambro's vehicle crashed into a guardrail, killing teenagers Zoey Roanoke and James English. A third passenger, Cathy Griczen, survived, but lost an ear and suffered shoulder injuries.
"I have permanent damage, but I'm okay," Griczen said. "I'm alive. I'm here."
Ambro pleaded guilty in April to two counts of DUI causing death. Judge Valorie Vega sentenced Ambro to 144 months maximum, with parole eligibility after 48 months for the death of James English and injuries sustained by Griczen. Ambro was also sentenced to 144 months maximum, with parole eligibility after 36 months for the death of Zoey Roanoke. The sentences run consecutively.
For Zoey's mother, Katie Steele, the seven year minimum sentence comes after repeated delays in the courts.
"I think (Lacey) would've spoken to me a lot sooner if it hadn't been because of the actions of her previous attorney that caused four years of delays and heartache for everybody," Steele told the court during her victim impact statement.
Ambro was 18 at the time of the crash and had a blood alcohol level of 0.16 – which is twice the legal limit for those of legal drinking age.
Family members, however, did not push for the maximum sentence.
"I'm angry and hurt, but I know my brother wouldn't want that," said English's sister, Tiffany Tiger.
"What I've caused James, and Zoey and Cathy - and all the victims' families and friends is permanent," Ambro said.
She was led out of the courtroom in shackles to continue her sentence, having already served 66 days after turning herself in.
Clark County Deputy District Attorney Bruce Nelson hopes this one bad decision will save many lives.
"Maybe, just maybe the drunk who's sitting at the bar this evening watching this on TV will think, hey, I better not drive home drunk tonight because I don't want to wind up like her."
Ambro was also ordered to pay restitution of $131,405 to Cathy Griczen, and $10,691 to Katie Steele.
Copyright 2012 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.
Lacey Ambro, right, stands shackled in court. (Eric Youngman/FOX5)
Police said Lacey Ambro was driving drunk when she rolled her vehicle. Two teens were killed in the crash.
