A Texas woman convicted in a fatal drunken-driving crash has been sentenced to seven years in prison and 10 years of probation. Lynlee Pollis must also spend 15 days in jail each year during probation. The September 2023 crash killed 19-year-old Southern Methodist University student Honor Wallace and seriously injured her passenger, Catherine “CeCe” Solberg.

The sentence followed a two-and-a-half-week trial and approximately three hours of jury deliberations. Prosecutors presented evidence that Pollis was driving far above the speed limit and had a blood alcohol concentration nearly four times Texas’ legal limit.

The court imposed several annual jail dates that coincide with significant dates connected to the victims, Pollis and the crash. The victims’ families criticized Pollis during emotional statements before sentencing.

Sentence combines prison and extended probation

Lynlee Pollis, 30, was sentenced Wednesday in Texas after a jury convicted her of intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault. State District Judge Jennifer Balido ordered Pollis to serve seven years in prison, followed by 10 years of probation after her release.

The probation terms include 15 days in jail every year. Some of those dates reportedly align with the birthdays of the victims, Pollis’ birthday and the anniversary of the crash. The additional custody requirement will therefore continue for a decade after Pollis completes her prison term.

Crash killed a university student and injured another

The crash occurred on Sept. 24, 2023, in Dallas. Honor Wallace was driving a Volkswagen Jetta through a green light when Pollis’ Lexus SUV struck the vehicle. Wallace was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.

Catherine “CeCe” Solberg, who was riding in the Jetta, suffered a shoulder injury and a concussion. She was later diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. Pollis’ husky, named Tequila, was also in the SUV and was not injured.

Evidence detailed speed, red light and alcohol level

Prosecution experts testified that Pollis was traveling about 67 mph in a 35-mph zone and entered the intersection after the traffic signal had been red for at least five seconds. The evidence was used to establish how the collision occurred and why prosecutors pursued intoxication-related charges.

Testing showed Pollis had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.294%, compared with Texas’ legal limit of 0.08%. An arrest affidavit stated that officers observed glassy eyes, slurred speech and an odor of alcohol when they spoke with Pollis at the hospital.

Families described the lasting impact in court

During sentencing, Bobby Solberg, Catherine Solberg’s father, criticized Pollis for the effect of the case and trial on the victims’ families. He said the families had endured a lengthy legal process and accused Pollis of failing to accept personal responsibility.

“You were so drunk and you wouldn’t admit it. You made us sit through this trial for three weeks. We’ve seen no personal accountability from you.”

David Wallace, Honor Wallace’s father, also addressed Pollis. He said the crash had taken away his family’s most precious gift and urged her to acknowledge what she had done.

“You took the most precious gift from us through your selfishness. Own it. Own what you did.”

Defense sought probation instead of prison

Pollis’ attorneys asked the court to impose probation rather than a prison sentence. They pointed to her lack of prior felony convictions and argued for a punishment that would allow her to remain in the community under supervision.

During closing arguments, defense attorney Scott Palmer described Pollis as a good person who had made a terrible decision. The jury nevertheless convicted her after the trial, and the judge imposed both the prison term and the unusually demanding probation condition of annual jail time.

Summary

The sentence reflects the fatal consequences of the 2023 Dallas crash and includes punishment both during incarceration and after Pollis’ release. The prison term, extended probation and annual jail requirement were imposed after a jury found Pollis responsible for the death of Honor Wallace and the serious injury of Catherine Solberg. The victims’ families used the sentencing hearing to describe the continuing personal impact of the crash and the legal proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Lynlee Pollis sentenced to?

Pollis was sentenced to seven years in prison, followed by 10 years of probation.

What additional condition was imposed during probation?

She must serve 15 days in jail every year during her probation period.

Who died in the crash?

Honor Wallace, a 19-year-old Southern Methodist University student, died after the September 2023 collision in Dallas.

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