MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee judge wants to hold bars and bartenders accountable for overserving drunk drivers.

The comments came at a sentencing hearing for a man who killed a Franklin man two years ago.

Jim Riegling's family spoke in court on Friday, May 22. The judge said it was the most powerful testimony he's heard in his career as Riegling's wife and children described the man they lost.

The judge then turned his attention to the bar that served the driver.

Riegling's wife, Debra, said in court, "We grew up together. I thought we would grow old together."

For more than a half hour, Debra, her son-in-law, and daughter shared their pain.

"I'm scared of growing old alone. I'm scared of living without meaning," said Debra. 

Her daughter, Megan Riegling Swiertz, said, "Remove the foundation in the building, in this case our family, began to crack, to crumble, and fall apart."

They described a quiet man who loved to help others, a father of three, grandfather of seven, beloved in the community.

Jim Riegling was a Vietnam War veteran and furnituremaker.

His vibrant, active life was cut short in November 2024, when Leonel Molina Rios crashed into him on Lovers Lane in Franklin.

The family dog, Poppy, was also killed.

Debbie Riegling buried her high school sweetheart on what would have been their 54^th wedding anniversary. "Some will have wonderful memories," she said. "Someone will probably have none. Our foundation is gone."

Rios had been driving home from the Irish Cottage in Franklin, where he'd met a client. His blood alcohol level was .212, nearly three times the legal limit.

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge David Borowski said, "It's time that we hold bar owners, restaurant owners, possibly bartenders, responsible when they clearly overserve somebody."

Earlier this month, the Franklin Common Council voted to put a hold on the Irish Cottage's entertainment and amusement license.

Rios kept his head down when Riegling's family spoke. His son-in-law, Steven Swiertz, said, "Mr. Rios, I forgive you. Now I can forget you."

Then, Rios spoke briefly through an interpreter. He said, "If it was in my hands to give him back his life, I would give mine in exchange."

Borowski sentenced Rios to 12 years in prison.

After more than a year in court, the Rieglings are trying to learn to live without Jim. Debra said, "Mr. Rios, I don't hate you. I don't forgive you. I'll let the courts deal with you."

It's unclear what the license hold against the Irish Cottage means. We went to the bar Friday and it was still serving drinks.

A bartender declined to answer questions and the owner did not respond to us.

We also reached out to the Franklin mayor and every alderperson, but no one has responded yet.