By: Lydia Crawley
The Parsons Advocate
Malicia Bohanon pleaded guilty to DUI with Bodily Injury before Judge Shaffer during his July 9th session of the 22nd Circuit Court at the Tucker County Courthouse in Parsons. The 50 year old appeared in Court along with her attorney Sam Hess. The count was a misdemeanor lesser included charge in Bohanon’s original indictment. Under the plea agreement, Bohanon is not eligible for deferred adjudication. The charge comes with up to a year in jail, but the plea deal recommends it be served as two years of probation under home confinement and fine. There is no restitution in the case.
When questioned on the plea agreement, Tucker County Prosecuting Attorney Savannah Hull Wilkins said she felt it was in both the best interest of justice and Ms. Bohannon. Wilkins went on to say that she did not want to make a felon out of someone with no previous criminal history.
“It is a situation where it is an accident,” Wilkins said.
A visibly emotional Bohanon signed the plea agreement, answered all of the Court’s questions and listened as her rights were explained. Judge Shaffer acknowledged Bohanon was visibly upset and crying and asked if she was able to continue with proceedings. Bohanon said she could.
Wilkins explained to the Court that on May 26th, 2025, the Tucker County Sheriff received a call of an accident on Highway 219 in which a silver Chrysler had gone over an embankment. Upon arrival, the driver, Bohanon, was found outside the vehicle Bohanon repeatedly tried to reenter the vehicle after being advised not to. Officers indicated that Bohanon appeared intoxicated by her actions and the redness of her eyes. There were still two passengers inside the vehicle, as well as a dog. Animal control was called for the dog followed Bohanon’s failure of field sobriety tests. Bohanon tested positive for alcohol and marijuana. When questioned by the Court, Bohanon admitted to having a drink and an edible before driving.
Hess said that since the accident, Bohanon has submitted to random drug screens. All of which have been clean.
Bohanon’s aunt was a passenger in the car and suffered a fractured foot, but declined to want any sort of charges brought in the case. The male passenger suffered various fractures including broken ribs and the loss of teeth. It is his injuries that Bohanon pleaded to, according to Wilkins in Court.
The guilty plea to misdemeanor DUI with Bodily Injury was accepted by the Court and Bohanon submitted verbal and signed pleas while in Court. All other counts in the indictment were dismissed. The charge comes with up to a year in jail and a $200 to $1,000 fine. Sentencing in the case is scheduled for July 20th.
