Santa Cruz tests crime prediction program

 Posted on August 19, 2011 in Criminal Defense

The California Highway Patrol says they are requesting felony DUI charges to be filed in relation to the accident. Authorities say a 19-year-old Carmel Valley resident was killed in the roll-over accident and a second passenger was severely injured. Neither passenger was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, according to the CHP. A third passenger, who was wearing a seat belt reportedly, suffered minor injuries in the incident, according to the CHP.

Law enforcement says the man accused of driving at the time of the accident crawled up the embankment after the crash to get a signal on his cellphone. The accused man reportedly called in a report of the accident after the crash.

California DUI laws allow prosecutors to seek felony level charges in cases where authorities allege a drunk driving accident caused an injury. A person need not have any prior driving offenses on their record to potentially face a felony DUI if an injury producing accident is involved.

Any DUI charge can lead to serious consequences and it is important for Central Coast residents accused of DUI offenses to consult with an experienced DUI attorney to protect their constitutional rights in a criminal case.

Source: Contra Costa Times, "Driver, 18, arrested after fatal Carmel Valley crash," Aug. 17, 2011