Court won't upset murder conviction in drugged driving case

PORT HURON (AP) - The Michigan appeals court has upheld a second-degree murder conviction in a case that inspired new laws about drugged driving. Lisa Bergman was driving a Ford F-350 pickup truck in St. Clair County when she crossed the center line and crashed into a smaller pickup, killing two people in 2013. Bergman's blood-alcohol level was below the legal limit, but she also had used prescription drugs. A doctor said the combination affected Bergman's ability to drive. The appeals court said there was nothing improper about allowing jurors to hear evidence of prior incidents in which Bergman drove erratically while under the influence of prescription drugs. Gov. Rick Snyder last year signed laws that put restrictions on people who drive while drugged. The 32-year-old Bergman will be eligible for parole in 2038. Published: Fri, Oct 02, 2015