Maximum sentence for DUI offender

By Cecilia Green

Published on June 06, 2006

Kebert, 45, was sentenced to serve 23 consecutive years in jail, the maximum sentence under Kansas law, on charges of second-degree murder and five counts of aggravated battery for the accident that killed Paige Estes, 23, and critically injured her husband, Jared Estes, and two other individuals.

The accident occurred on March 6, 2005 as Kebert was speeding in his Porsche and slammed into two other cars, one of which caught fire. Jared Estes, who was present at the trial, suffered severe burns on his face. His left ear was burned off and his left his eye would not close for three months after the accident.

Kebert had made a plea agreement for 17 years in jail, but Judge Joe Kisner decided to extend the sentence based on the circumstances. Although Kebert did not mean to hurt anyone, he did make a conscious decision to drink and then chose to get behind the wheel, which led to the accident that dramatically changed the lives of four other individuals. In light of this, the judge felt that Kebert should face the full consequences of his actions.

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