27-year-old Michael Fowler has been found guilty of DWI, reckless driving, and the negligent homicide of 12-year-old Garrett Martin in Wooster.
CONWAY, Ark (KTHV) -- Faulkner County prosecutor Cody Hiland filed formal charges against Michael Fowler Friday for negligent homicide while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an acccident.
Fowler appeared in court Friday, where the judge set his bond at $250,000.
Wednesday, Fowler was allegedly driving drunk when he hit and killed 12 year old Garrett Martin who was on his four-wheeler on Burgess Lane near Wooster.
Fowler kept his head down as he walked into a Faulkner County courtroom Friday afternoon.
Hiland says, the 27-year-old from Springfield, Ark., is a habitual offender.
"We filed 'negligent homicide while intoxicated charges' which is a Class B Felony. The punishment ranges from five to 20 years if he's convicted. We also charged Mr. Fowler with 'leaving the scene of an accident' which is a Class D Felony, which the range on that is zero to six years," says Hiland.
If convicted, Fowler could face a maximum of 26 years in prison. Hiland says he'd have to serve at least half, making him eligible for parole in 13 years.
"Our parole system lets people out way too early," says Hiland. "Our goal is to do justice in this case and seek justice for the family and unfortunately justice is a very poor substitute for a twelve year old son. But that's really all that we can do for them."
Fowler pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to be in court October 4.