According to this recent article in the Santa Maria Times, law enforcement officials have filed vehicular manslaughter and California DUI charges against Jesus Martinez, 20, of Los Angeles. The charges stem from an automobile accident early in February in which a passenger in Martinez’ car suffered severe injuries that caused his death. According to law enforcement officials, Martinez was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol when the car he was driving collided with a tractor trailer sometime during the evening of February 5, 2009.
The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office announced the charges against Martinez, which include vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence causing injury (a special allegation that great bodily injury was caused), and a misdemeanor charge of driving without a valid license.
Officials claim that Martinez’ passenger, Alejandro Miguel Perez, 20, address unknown, was killed when the car Martinez was driving collided with a huge rig near the intersection of Betteravia Road and Black Road. Martinez was set to appear and be formally charged in Santa Barbara County Superior Court in Santa Maria the following Friday.
California DUI, drunken vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence causing injury, and other DUI-related charges are very serious offenses and can result in revocation of driving privileges, lengthy prison sentences, steep fines and many hours of community service. If you or someone you care for is facing DUI charges, the experienced Los Angeles DUI defense lawyers at Sitkoff & Hanrahan, can help. Our Los Angeles DUI attorneys have over 60 years of combined experience providing legal assistance to people accused of driving under the influence and will work hard for their clients. Don’t take a chance with your freedom and driving privileges-contact the DUI criminal defense law firm Sitkoff & Hanrahan, today by calling 888.579.4844.