Category: Criminal Defense

Drunk Driving Charges Follow Fatal Crash

Drunk Driving Charges Follow Fatal Crash


Three seniors of a high school in California were on their way home from Grad Night in the early morning hours of a recent Thursday. Reportedly, their car was stationary at a red light when another vehicle struck it from behind. The impact caused them to smash into another vehicle behind which they were stopped. Officials say one passenger received medical treatment at the scene, and the second passenger along with the driver was rushed to a hospital while the other driver faces a DUI charge.

The two passengers’ injuries allowed them to attend their graduation the following day while the 18-year-old driver remained in intensive care. Sadly, he only survived until the following Monday, when he succumbed to the injuries he suffered in the crash. According to the California Highway Patrol, a 27-year-old man drove the vehicle that rear-ended the car the seniors were in.

Officers say the driver of that vehicle was arrested and charged with suspicion of impaired driving and booked into a Ventura jail. He was subsequently released to await a future hearing. However, since the death of the teenager, the accused man may now have to face charges of vehicular manslaughter.

Source: thecamarilloacorn.com, “Rio Mesa senior killed day before graduation“, Daniel Wolowicz, June 23, 2017


Any California driver who faces a DUI charge should secure the support and guidance of an experienced DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. A DUI lawyer can examine the charges and the evidence, including the alleged BAC level of the driver and the procedures used to determine that. Any person accused of a crime remains innocent until — and if — the prosecution can prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Felony DUI Charges After 5 Injured in a Crash

Felony DUI Charges After 5 Injured in a Crash


Five people, including three children, were hospitalized after an accident on a recent Tuesday afternoon. The driver of the car was the only occupant who did not suffer serious injuries. Officers who suspected she was driving under the influence of alcohol arrested the driver.

While the California Highway Patrol is seeking witnesses to provide more information about the incident, their preliminary accident report indicates that a 28-year-old woman from Santa Paula was eastbound on Highway 150 when she lost control of her vehicle. The car crashed into a wall not far from a school shortly before 6 p.m. Two adults and three children who were passengers in the car were injured.

A 3-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy reportedly suffered moderate injuries, while a 6-month-old girl’s injuries were described as major. Another victim with major injuries was a 21-year-old male, and a 29-year-old woman suffered moderate injuries. All the injured victims were transported to hospitals in the area. CHP further reported that they suspect two of the kids in the car were unrestrained when the accident occurred.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. CHP booked her into Ventura County jail where she is facing felony DUI charges. However, authorities say the accident investigation is ongoing.

Source: vcstar.com, “Santa Paula woman arrested on suspicion of DUI after crash into a wall“, John Scheibe, June 14, 2017


Whenever a California driver is accused of drunk driving, the most appropriate step might be to secure the services of an experienced DUI defense attorney who can launch an independent investigation to determine the true facts of the case. Based on this information, the lawyer can launch a defense during which the evidence presented by the prosecution can be challenged.

Defending DWI Charge for Wrong-Way Driver

Defending DWI Charge for Wrong-Way Driver


A fatal wrong-way crash recently led to accusations of intoxicated driving. A 30-year-old California nurse’s assistant may be seeking legal counsel to help with defending a DWI charge after the accident. The driver is suspected of driving while impaired when he traveled west against traffic heading east in Fontana on the 10 Freeway.

A report issued by the California Highway Patrol indicates that the crash occurred in the early hours of a recent Sunday morning. Reportedly, the suspected drunk driver collided with an eastbound car, causing it to spin out of control into a vehicle in another lane. The driver of the second car apparently suffered critical injuries, and paramedics rushed her to a medical center; however, she later succumbed to her injuries. She was believed to have been a 38-year-old woman from Hemet.

The seriously injured wrong-way driver was also transported to a hospital. He was later arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of driving while impaired and vehicular manslaughter. Bail was set at $250,000, and he was released three days later. It is unclear whether bail was paid.

Source: sbsun.com, “Redlands man accused of DUI in fatal wrong-way crash on 10 Freeway in Fontana“, Beatriz Valenzuela, June 6, 2017


Being accused of vehicular manslaughter is a serious charge, and a conviction could have devastating consequences for the future of any person. However, until — and if — the prosecution can prove an accused individual’s guilt without a reasonable doubt, he or she will remain innocent. Defending a DWI charge with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney may help one mitigate any potential penalties. A lawyer can investigate the charges and the evidence before devising a defense strategy to achieve the best possible outcome.