Dearth’s license could be suspended for three years to life, according to court documents.
The operating a vehicle under the influence charge, a first-degree misdemeanor, carries a maximum 180-day jail sentence, a $1,075 maximum fine and a possible 1-3 year license suspension.
Another count of aggravated vehicular homicide, a second-degree felony, was dismissed, according to court documents.
Dearth’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 26.
Friends and family of Howard packed Judge Jennifer Muench-McElfresh’s courtroom Oct. 30 as prosecutor Katie Pridemore shared details of the August 2025 crash, of which Pridemore said there is video evidence.
Dearth allegedly had left a bar a little before 2 a.m. Aug. 23.
He was “absolutely intoxicated,” according to witnesses, and had a blood alcohol content of .203 — about 2½ times the legal limit.
Dearth drove in “excess” of 86 to 92 mph on Central Avenue when he “T-boned” Howard’s car near The Alameda, Pridemore said.
Pridemore said Howard was killed “immediately.”
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