Sussex County man gets probation for head-on DWI crash that seriously injured other driver

NEWTON, NJ (Sussex County) – A Sussex County man was sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to assault by auto, according to Sussex County Prosecutor Francis Koch.

Kyle D. Smith, 22, of Newton was sentenced before the Honorable Louis S. Sceusi, J.S.C. at the Sussex County Courthouse in Newton on July 14, Koch said.

Smith was sentenced to three years probation and must complete 90 days in the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program. Along with the standard conditions of probation, he must also undergo a TASC evaluation and follow all recommendations and pay $255 in court fines and fees, Koch said.

Smith pled guilty on June 17 to third-degree assault by auto also to motor vehicle summons driving while under the influence and was sentenced at the time of his plea for this motor vehicle charge to a seven month loss of his driver’s license, seven month Interlock program and additional fines and fees, Koch said.

According to Koch, after using marijuana, Smith crossed over the center line into oncoming traffic on Route 206 in Byram Township, hitting the on-coming vehicle head-on, causing serious injuries to the other driver, Koch said.

Smith was represented by Howard Bailey, Esq. and the State was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Brent M. Rafuse.