On July 22, 2025, Ashley Nicole Nolan, 28, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to 22 years in prison, with 14 years of active incarceration, for a drunk driving collision that killed one of her children and seriously injured two others. The sentencing, announced by State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling, followed a single-vehicle crash caused by Nolan’s decision to drive under the influence. The case was heard in St. Mary’s County, with Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Alena Mosier representing the state and the Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presiding.
The incident occurred when Nolan, who had initially arranged for a designated driver for a night out, detoured to her mother’s house, where her children were sleeping. Instead of leaving them in safety, she chose to drive them while intoxicated, leading to the tragic crash.
“Drunk driving is a completely preventable crime,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “The Defendant started out the evening with a designated driver for a kid-free night-out with a friend. But on the way home, she detoured to her mother’s house, where her children were safely asleep, only to remove them and subject them to extreme danger. Instead of protecting her children, she made the decision to drive under the influence and tragically killed one of them.”
The Maryland State Sentencing Guidelines recommended a prison term between 3 and 14 years. The defense argued for a three-year sentence, the minimum within the guidelines, while the state pushed for the maximum penalty of 22 years due to the severity of the crime and the involvement of multiple child victims. The court ultimately imposed a 22-year sentence, with 14 years to be served actively, aligning with the top of the guidelines. Sterling noted, “The maximum penalty in this case was only 22 years because multiple child victims were involved. Otherwise, the maximum penalty would have been far less.”
Investigation and Sentencing Details
The investigation was led by Corporal Dale Reppel of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the Collision Reconstruction Unit. Their work provided critical evidence linking Nolan’s intoxication to the crash. The sentencing hearing highlighted the preventable nature of the tragedy, with Sterling emphasizing the broader societal issue: “Sadly, drunk driving has become one of the most socially acceptable forms of homicide in our society today, and that must change. My office and I have been on the front lines urging the lawmakers in Annapolis to take meaningful action.”
The case underscores the devastating consequences of drunk driving, particularly when children are involved. Sterling’s office has advocated for stronger legislative measures to address such crimes, aiming to deter future incidents and protect communities.
Background on Drunk Driving in Maryland
Drunk driving remains a significant issue in Maryland, with law enforcement and prosecutors working to reduce its prevalence. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office continues to prioritize DUI enforcement, while Sterling’s office pushes for stricter penalties. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for public awareness and accountability to prevent further loss of life due to drunk driving.
