RSSThis past February, drivers on the 60 and 57 freeways claimed to have encountered a wrong-way driver amidst all the other traffic. Multiple witnesses, at least 17 according to media reports, reported the apparent wrong-way driver to police. Unfortunately, members of the California Highway Patrol were unable to catch up to the situation before tragedy struck.
A 21-year-old Fontana woman was behind the wheel of a Chevy Camaro when her vehicle, carrying two passengers in their early 20s, struck an SUV carrying four people. All four in the SUV were killed, as were the woman’s own passengers. A third car involved in the wreck was driven by one of the accident’s only two survivors, a 57-year-old man, with the other survivor being the allegedly drunk driver. The woman’s injuries consisted of a broken leg as well as a ruptured bladder.
The Fontana woman now faces a slew of extremely serious charges for her role in the events of February 9. Since the crash involved six fatalities, she is facing six counts of murder and is now being held in jail on a staggering bail of $6 million. According to a lieutenant from the L.A. County Coroner’s office, there was evidence in the woman’s vehicle that alcohol was a factor in the crash.
The woman recently pleaded not guilty to her charges in court. Making matters more challenging for the defendant, the woman has a prior conviction for drunk driving. The Department of Motor Vehicles shows that the young woman was convicted in San Bernardino County when she was just 17 years old. In addition, she has also received traffic violation citations on two other occasions.
A prior conviction for drunk driving can make a second DUI case that much more challenging. It can also make the consequences of a conviction even more intimidating. Young drivers may not realize what they are up against in the court system, nor may they comprehend the lifelong stigma of being branded a criminal after a deadly accident.
To understand the possible defenses for a fatal drunk driving accident, contact experienced DUI defense attorney Jonathan I. Kelman at 310.286.1218.