North Carolina Texting While Driving Laws Have Criminal and Civil Implications

In September 2010, the North Carolina state legislature passed a law making it a criminal violation to text while driving. On June 6, 2012, Aaron Deveau became the first person to be convicted and sentenced under this new charge. Deveau was convicted of texting while driving in a February 2011 crash that led to the death of Donald Bowley and serious injuries for Luz Roman.

Mr. Deveau was sentenced to a maximum of four years in prison for the conviction. He also has to complete 40 years of community service and surrender his license for 15 years. The Bowley and Roman families are satisfied with Mr. Deveau's sentence. However, many people in the community believe his conviction and sentence are too harsh for his crime. Others feel Mr. Deveau's conviction is adequate, as it is a way to send a message to the public, especially the younger population, of the dangers and consequences of texting while driving.