MAQUOKETA, Iowa -- A Bellevue man received the minimum sentence Friday after he was convicted of leaving the scene of a crash that paralyzed a man from the waist down.
Steven P. Dunn, 23, received a deferred judgment and is required to complete 18 months of probation and 10 hours of community service.
He was convicted of leaving the scene of a serious injury accident on May 18, after a Jackson County jury found him not guilty of serious injury by vehicle and operating while intoxicated.
Justin Dies, 34, of Dubuque, and his family members said they were stunned by the verdict. Prosecutors argued that Dunn was drunk when he drove through downtown Baldwin, Iowa, on May 25, 2008, and struck Dies, paralyzing him.
"I was more shocked by the sentence than I was by the verdict itself," Dies' brother, Ryan, said Wednesday.
Jackson County Attorney Chris Raker said he recommended the maximum sentence, one year in jail. Judge James Kelley handed down the minimum sentence, which requires that Dunn remain alcohol-free and avoid further arrests.
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If Dunn completes the requirements of his probation and community service, the conviction will be expunged from his record.
"This is something the court does to say, 'We realize you make mistakes, but we're giving you this opportunity to avoid punishment and prove yourself worthy of your opportunity,'" Raker said.
When reached by phone Wednesday, Dunn's family declined to comment.
Ryan Dies said that the case has been tough on his brother, who struggles with stress, anger and multiple medical complications.
"Justin is a stronger person than I am," he said.
