Aurora Man Gets 7 Years For Fatal Naperville DUI Crash

AURORA, IL --- An Aurora man has been sentenced to serve 7 years in prison for a DUI crash in Naperville that claimed the life of his passenger in 2016. Michael Vera, 36, of the 200 block of E. New York St., pleaded guilty Friday to a felony count of aggravated DUI causing death. The Nov. 23, 2016 crash killed David Dokken, 36, also of Aurora.

Authorities say Vera was driving west of Ogden on Naper Boulevard when he lost control of the car and hit a tree, causing Dokken to sustain serious injuries that led to his death. Vera's BAC was reportedly .183 at the time of the crash, more than twice the legal limit.

He also tested positive for marijuana and cocaine, police say.

After Vera's sentencing, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said, "This very sad case is yet another example of the potentially fatal dangers of drinking and driving. Just days before Thanksgiving two years ago, Michael Vera’s life changed forever and David Dokken’s life ended when Vera made the decision to drink and then get behind the wheel of his car. That decision not only cost David his life, but it also cost the defendant his freedom."

Related: Aurora Man Charged With DUI In Fatal Naperville Crash

Vera must serve 85 percent of his seven-year sentence before he becomes eligible for parole.

Image via DuPage County State's Attorney's Office.