First day of testimony in trial for woman accused of DUI death of Charlotte County deputy

The first day of the trial for a woman accused of killing a Charlotte County deputy while driving under the influence occurred Wednesday.

The accused driver, Cassandra Smith, made several attempts to delay the case. She asked the judge to evaluate her competence to stand trial and to move the case outside the Charlotte County area.

The judge ruled Smith competent to stand trial, saying that she fully understood the situation.

The courthouse procured a jury of six people with at least one alternate out of a pool of roughly 90 people from Charlotte County.

Smith’s defense team attempted to relocate the case outside of Charlotte County due to the publicity generated by her case. The motion was denied.

Smith was able to get the state to drop two charges, a DUI damage to property charge and refusing to submit to a DUI test after license suspension.

On Tuesday, the pursuit for justice of 23-year-old CCSO deputy Christopher Taylor began. Taylor was killed almost a year ago when a drunk driver slammed into him during a traffic stop.

Taylor’s family has appeared during many court hearings, and while not expected to speak during the trial, the emotions conveyed by the family show how painful the experience has been.

“I’m feeling very sad, but also very proud of my son for what he accomplished in the short time he was here to do that,” said Karen Taylor, the deceased deputy’s mother.

“He’s in heaven. He’s in a better place,” said Richard Taylor, Christopher’s grandfather. “I just feel sorry for the law enforcement people. I really do feel for what they have to go through.”

Once the jury is selected, the trial is expected to last approximately three days.

Being charged with DUI manslaughter, and with no plea deals available for Smith, if found guilty, she could face up to 30 years in prison.