Prosecutors: Folsom man used 'Whip it' before fatal DUI crash

 Posted on April 26, 2012 in DUI

California's laws prohibiting driving under the influence involve more than restrictions against impairment from alcohol. Drugged driving, or prescription medication DUI offenses, can haunt medical patients who may be hauled into court on allegations of driving under the influence. Santa Cruz DUI defense lawyers know that California treats any DUI charge harshly.

A recent California case involves allegations of a so-called "Whip-it" canister containing nitrous oxide. A 22-year-old Folsom man is accused of serious DUI-related charges after a tragic double-fatal car accident in January. The man is facing two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter.

A judge in Sacramento County ordered that the Folsom man stand trial on the gross vehicular manslaughter charges at a preliminary hearing April 24. Prosecutors reportedly introduced testimony at the preliminary hearing that the Folsom man had bought 50 canisters of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, at a Folsom Smoke shop on the day of the car accident.

Authorities claim the man inhaled gas while behind the wheel, before crossing into oncoming traffic. Two Citrus Heights men, a 32-year-old and his 37-year-old brother were killed in the car accident. A man from Folsom who was friends with the two brothers was also injured in the tragedy.

Authorities claim that after the crash, the man accused of causing the wreck remembered hearing the sounds of a crash, but "didn't know if he was in it." Officials claim that the accused said that he felt "like he was in a cloud after the accident."

Based upon the preliminary evidence, the judge set a trial date for July 26. The man accused of the charges faces up to more than 15 years if convicted.

Source: Sacramento Bee, "Nitrous oxide DUI suspect to face vehicular manslaughter trial," Andy Furillo, April 24, 2012