The Third District Court of Appeals has confirmed the sentence of Briana K. Mohler, who was involved in a fatal crash on January 25, 2024, that led to the death of 17-year-old Chloe Hodge.
Mohler, who was under the influence of multiple drugs at the time, pleaded guilty to charges including aggravated vehicular homicide, operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI), and driving under suspension.
The incident happened when Mohler crossed the center line and collided head-on with Hodge’s vehicle.
Hodge later died from her injuries, which led to Mohler’s indictment and guilty plea in April 2024.
During sentencing on May 28, 2024, Mohler was given an indefinite prison term of 11 to 16 ½ years for aggravated vehicular homicide, along with a lifetime driver’s license suspension.
She was also sentenced to 180 days in jail for OVI and received no jail time for driving under suspension.
All sentences were ordered to be served concurrently.
Mohler appealed the sentence, arguing that the trial court wrongly imposed the maximum sentence and improperly considered the victim’s death as an aggravating factor.
She also claimed the court did not fully consider her personal background, including her struggles with substance abuse and her past as a victim of abuse.
However, the Court of Appeals ruled that the trial court followed the proper legal process in sentencing Mohler.
The court stated that the trial judge had appropriately considered the seriousness of the crime, including the emotional toll on the victim’s family and community.
The appeals court also noted that the trial court took Mohler’s history into account, but found that the sentencing decision was justified based on her criminal history and ongoing issues with substance abuse.
The Court of Appeals ultimately found that the sentence was within the legal limits and that the trial court had acted in accordance with the law.
Mohler’s appeal was rejected, and her sentence was upheld earlier this week.
