Double Fatal Misdemeanors?

Why does this sound familiar, yet different?

• A Wrigleyville man has been charged for an early Wednesday crash on Lake Shore Drive that left two people dead, police said.
  
  Christopher Carter, 25, of the 3500 block of North Southport Avenue, was charged with one count each of misdemeanor driving under the influence, misdemeanor failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and misdemeanor operating a vehicle without insurance, police said.
  
  
• Police News Affairs Sgt. Antoinette said two cars were involved in the crash and both were traveling at a high-rate of speed.

We seem to remember another crash where all the participants were allegedly DUI, though there wasn't any proof offered. And the deceased were to blame for the accident, blowing a stop sign and getting broadsided by the other driver.

But for some unknown reason, the survivor was charged with a number of felonies following a rather loud and raucous protest from the families of the dead. Why is this sticking on our heads? What could possibly be the reason that this individual is facing two misdemeanor counts and the other driver, who was completely not at fault for the accident, is facing felony charges. We just can't seem to remember. If we didn't know any better, we'd think there was some double standard being applied here. Hmmm.