Woman's 50-Year DUI Sentence Reduced

A Brevard County woman, who was ordered never to drive again after she was involved in a crash that killed 4 people, disregarded the court order and drove anyway.

That decision resulted in the violation of her 15-year probation. But instead of making a deal with prosecutors, Mary Lambardo Sausville went straight to court and was sentenced to 50 years in prison. That is more like a life sentence for the 40-year-old.

On April 17, 1997 Mary Lambardo Sausville drove into oncoming traffic on State Road 407 striking a vehicle carrying a wedding party head on.

Sausville's fiancée was killed along with three members of that Ormond Beach wedding party. The groom survived, along with Sausville and her child.

No alcohol was involved and the families of the victims took pity on a confused driver. Sausville was sentenced to 15 years probation.

“The victims were compassionate to understand that yes, she was on the wrong side of the road; she was driving faster than she should have been. But does she really need to be in prison as a single mom with a small child,” said Assistant State Attorney Wayne Holmes.

At the time of the accident, the 407 wasn't as clearly marked as it is today. That played a role in Sausville's sentence of probation.

There was just one stipulation, no more driving ever. A rule, prosecutors say, Sausville broke when she drove under the influence.

“She wanted to roll the dice and hopefully get place on probation,” said Holmes.

Sausville threw herself on the mercy of the court and got 50 years. The appeal process began with issues of mental health and effectiveness of defense counsel.

Prosecutors had their own concerns that the length of Sausville's sentence on her probation violation might open the door to clemency. A settlement was reached for 15 years and no more appeals.

Sausville must serve at least 85% of her prison sentence.

She is schedule for release in 2023.