It seems that some have a harder time learning their lesson than others.
A California man with two previous convictions from 2009 for driving under the influence was back in court this month on charges that include hit-and-run and murder after he allegedly drove drunk and killed a pedestrian earlier.
On Dec. 9, the 28-year-old man entered pleas of not guilty to the charges. His bail was set a $2 million, and he remains behind bars.
The fatality occurred on Dec. 4 after the defendant allegedly left a barroom located in Chula Vista on Third Avenue. A police lieutenant stated that around 6:30 p.m. the driver got into a collision with a parked car and fled the scene.
When he returned shortly thereafter, witnesses confronted him, which once again caused him to take off at a high rate of speed. He again lost control of the vehicle, jumping the curb and mowing down a man waiting at a bus stop on a bench. The impact severed the pedestrian’s leg, and he died at the hospital.
The deputy district attorney prosecuting the case announced that the driver’s precise blood alcohol content was unknown. However, a policeman responding to the accident scene estimated it to be much higher than .08 percent.
If convicted on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while impaired, murder, numerous counts of hit-and-run and leaving an accident scene he could spend two decades up to life in prison.
His next court appearance is in March, with a preliminary hearing set for April 13.
Regardless of the disposition of these criminal charges, survivors of the deceased man can pursue civil justice through the California courts by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Source: Fox 5 San Diego, “Repeat drunk driver suspected of killing pedestrian faces judge,” Dec. 09, 2016
