Matt Dillon Pleads Not Guilty to Criminal Charge of Negligent Operation
As previously reported in this blog , movie star Matt Dillon was stopped last month for allegedly traveling 106 MPH in a 65 MPH zone. Dillon has been charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle in violation of 23 V.S.A §1091(a). A person is guilty of negligent operation of a motor vehicle in Vermont if they operate a motor vehicle on a public highway in a negligent manner. [23 V.S.A. §1091(a)(1)] “The standard for a conviction for negligent operation in violation of this subsection shall be ordinary negligence, examining whether the person breached a duty to exercise ordinary care”. [23 V.S.A. §1091(a)(2)] In deciding whether Dillon operated his vehicle in a negligent manner, the jury may consider the rules of the road including the rule that " no person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions, having regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing". [CR32-051] Negligent operation is a misdemeanor in Vermont that is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. [23 V.S.A. §1091(a)(3)] Mark Kaplan- Dillon’s attorney- appeared in court today and entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of Dillon. Dillon did not appear in court. Dillon is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
