Lynlee Pollis sentenced to 7 years in SMU crash case – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Jurors were tasked with deciding Pollis’ punishment. She faced up to 20 years in prison on the intoxication manslaughter conviction and up to 10 years on the intoxication assault charge.

The punishment phase began Tuesday with emotional testimony from relatives and friends of both Wallace and Pollis.

Wallace’s mother testified that her daughter was fluent in French and Spanish and dreamed of becoming a lawyer. Jurors also heard testimony from a Dallas police investigator about Pollis’ social media activity, including posts and references related to alcohol use. The investigator testified Pollis had created an Instagram account for her dog, named Tequila after what she described as the “best drink in the world.”

Wednesday morning, Pollis’ father continued his testimony. At times emotional on the witness stand, he spoke about his daughter’s struggles since the crash and the impact of losing her mother to a sudden illness last year.

Defense attorneys questioned him extensively about Pollis’ character, support system, and life after the crash. He told jurors his daughter is a good person who is supported by friends and members of her church community.

During cross-examination, prosecutors emphasized the lasting loss experienced by Wallace’s family.

“One day, sir, regardless of her sentence, she will get out,” a prosecutor told Pollis’ father. “But the Wallaces will never get to see their daughter again.”

Pollis’ father acknowledged his daughter made poor decisions the day of the crash but maintained she did not intend to hit Wallace’s vehicle.

He also testified that he was strict with Pollis growing up and did not allow her to drink alcohol while living at home, though she began drinking after entering college.

Asked whether he knew of any prior instances in which she drove while intoxicated, he said he did not. He agreed she made bad choices but told jurors she is “not a bad person” and still has positive contributions to make.

The defense then called several character witnesses on Wednesday.

Jack Dovey, a family friend and Pollis’ former employer from the Seattle area, described Pollis as dependable and responsible.

Another witness, Heidi Taylor, a friend from Park Cities Presbyterian Church, testified that Pollis is kind, active in church life, and especially good with children. Taylor showed jurors photos of Pollis spending time with young children and participating in Bible study.

Taylor also testified that Pollis no longer drives and relies on friends for transportation to church and other activities. She said Pollis is subject to periodic alcohol testing and breathalyzer monitoring and no longer drinks alcohol.

During the guilt-innocence phase of the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Pollis was driving 70 mph in a 35 mph zone when she ran a red light on the North Central Expressway service road near Monticello Avenue and crashed into Wallace’s vehicle.

Expert testimony showed Pollis had a blood alcohol concentration nearly four times the legal limit.