Los Angeles Man Wanted for Fatal Hit and Run Following DUI
A Lawndale man is wanted on suspicion of DUI and a fatal hit and run that took place this past weekend. The Los Angeles Times reported that after hitting a big rig on the 10 freeway, the driver of a BMW fled on foot, leaving his 20-year-old passenger to die, and another passenger and the driver of the truck to deal with their moderate injuries.
The L.A. Times didn’t include facts to explain why the California Highway Patrol suspected the driver of DUI. But if the CHP’s suspicion is confirmed, the driver not only faces felony hit and run charges…which subject him to up to four years in the state prison and a fine of up to $10,000…but to Penal Code 191.5 PC “vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated” charges as well.
If convicted of Penal Code 191.5 PC “vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated” charges, the driver could face up to four years in the California State Prison (if the driver’s “negligence” was to blame), or up to ten years in prison if he acted with a “reckless disregard for human life”.
It’s a good bet that a California DUI defense attorney will try to get the charges reduced to misdemeanor hit and run and misdemeanor DUI with injury. Whether that will be a successful plea bargain will depend on the facts as they actually emerge.
