Judge Philip Federico sentenced Nick Bollea to eight months in a county jail effective immediately. He was also sentenced to five years probation and 500 hours of community service. The judge also suspended Bollea’s license for three years and ordered that him to attend various classes. Bollea has 30 days to appeal the ruling, but stated during his testimony that he would accept whatever punishment the judge gave him.
Federico said he believes Nick is sincere in his apology, yet he still needs to learn that there are consequences for his actions. The judge cited the fact that Nick had no criminal record, yet his past driving record showed that he was "cavalier." He said that type of talent should be used on a race track, not on a wet city street. The judge said he didn’t agree with the characterization of the incident as an "accident." He said this was a case that could have been avoided.
"I would characterize it as a series of conscious choices," the judge said. He said there was a need for some punishment and rehabilitation. "You weigh things that you see and the things that you’ve heard and then you try to come up with a punishment that you feel is appropriate." The judge praised the Hogan family, adding that he believes they’ve done everything they could have done since the accident occurred.