Juvenile May Be Charged as Adult in DUI

The teen was driving while under the influence and street racing against another car when he crashed his Mustang which was carrying three passengers. One of the passengers, a 16 year-old girl died as a result while the other two teen passengers and the driver were injured. Racing 80 miles per hour on Avalon Boulevard, the Mustang teen driver ran a red light which caused him to smash into a Toyota Highlander. The driver of the Highlander, a 62 year-old woman, was also injured.

The teenager was charged as a juvenile but prosecutors are now seeking to have him charged as an adult because he will turn 18 this month. The teen currently faces charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated as well as vehicular manslaughter. He could face up to 10 years of incarceration if convicted. If prosecuted as an adult as opposed to a juvenile, he would serve the sentence in a state prison as opposed to a juvenile detention facility.

Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in California is defined under the state's Vehicular Code 191.5(a) which states that it is committed by driving while under the influence and then carrying out another unlawful act with gross negligence which results in the death of another person.

DUI and Criminal Defense in Los Angeles, California

Any type of DUI is a serious legal matter. Where a DUI leads to the injury or death of another, it is even more serious and will be aggressively prosecuted. Ensuring that you have reputable and competent legal representation is imperative in such cases to achieve the best possible outcome. DUI is a complicated area of law because it is very technical, involving forensic evidence concerning breath and blood tests, police procedures, and legal factors. To get the best results, you will want an attorney who is well-versed in DUI defense in your local area.

At Tyler & Wilson, LLP you can work with a skilled criminal defense attorney if you are facing DUI or any other criminal charges in the Los Angeles area. Legitimate defenses do exist in DUI cases; by engaging the services of a capable defense lawyer you will have a better understanding of the legal process, your options, and what to expect. You will also have continual legal advice and guidance as you navigate the criminal justice system. To get experienced legal help in all criminal cases, contact the firm to arrange for an analysis of your situation as early as possible.