NEWTON, NJ (Sussex County) – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to assault by auto and driving while intoxicated, according to Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart.
James D. VanAuken, 30, of North Versailles was sentenced on May 5 before the Honorable Michael C. Gaus, J.S.C. at the Sussex County Courthouse in Newton, Taggart said.
VanAuken was sentenced to 3 years probation. In addition to the standard conditions of probation, he must also complete 75 hours of community service, complete a TASC evaluation, follow all recommendations, and pay $989.46 in fines and fees as well as a $25.00 a month supervision fee, Taggart said.
He was also sentenced on a related DWI charge to six months loss of driving privileges, interlock during the suspension period and for an additional fifteen months following the suspension, twelve hours of Intoxicated Driver Research Center, and $690 in fines and fees, Taggart said.
VanAuken pled guilty on March 27 to fourth-degree assault by auto and driving while intoxicated. In pleading guilty, he admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol and causing a motor vehicle accident resulting in injuries to the other driver, Taggart said.
VanAuken was represented by Daniel F. Palazzo, Esq., and the State was represented by Special Deputy Attorney General and Acting Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Brent M. Rafuse.
