Sometimes There Are Consequences

The Vermont Supreme Court recently accepted the consent disbarment of an attorney convicted in a fatal hit-and-run. 

WCAX.com reported on the sentencing

Gregor Outslay carried a photograph of his mother into the Rutland courtroom Thursday, a reminder of his mom he holds on to.

“We were each affected by my mother’s presence in our lives, just as we were strongly affected by her loss,” Outslay said.

In April 2013, Mary Jane Outslay of Mendon was hit and killed by a car as she crossed a Rutland Street. She was 71. The driver took off. But the next day, Christopher Sullivan, a former Rutland city attorney, came forward to say he was the driver.

“There isn’t a day, moments of the day that don’t go by that I don’t think about this,” Sullivan said in court.

Earlier this year, jurors found Sullivan guilty of driving under the influence and leaving the scene of the crash.

Sullivan addressed Outslay’s family during his sentencing hearing.

“I was totally distraught and devastated. I didn’t know what to do. I did the wrong thing and I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said.

Prosecutors argued for the maximum sentence of 15 years, while Sullivan’s lawyers argued for less. Sullivan’s wife testified on his behalf.

“Tragic events alter a person’s mental status. There’s no doubt. No one knows how they’re going to react to a tragedy,” Margaret Sullivan said.

Superior Court Judge Theresa DiMauro sentenced Sullivan to 4-10 years behind bars. Outslay’s loved ones say they are still grieving, but the sentence helps.

“It’s just relief that we’re past this point,” Gregor Outslay said. “The sentencing has been rendered and it kind of validates the case and our loss a little bit. And we just move on to the next phase.”

Sullivan was sentenced to 4-10 years for both of his convictions. He will be given credit for time he’s already served, which is just a few months.

 A report on the conviction by WCAX is linked here. 

Practice pointer: If you want to get away with something like this, join the District of Columbia Bar. (Mike Frisch)