Driver charged with DUI in fatal accident

California police recently arrested a woman accused of a fatal drunk driving incident. She is facing multiple charges, including for a DUI, a hit-and-run accident resulting in injury or death, gross vehicular manslaughter and murder. This the driver’s second DUI arrest, although it is not clear if she was convicted after her 2011 arrest.

The 33-year-old woman was denied service at a bar, and the manager cited her allegedly inebriated behavior — including nearly stepping on a dog and being excessively loud — as the reason. Police believe that she then went to a different bar at approximately 11:30 p.m., where her 25-year-old co-worker and his girlfriend were having a date. She was also denied service there.

According to authorities, the co-worker realized that the woman intended to drive to a different location after she was denied service at both bars. The two ended up arguing as the co-worker apparently tried to prevent the woman from getting behind the wheel of her vehicle.

At some point he ended up on top of the vehicle, but was soon flung off. Police say the driver ran over her co-worker, causing fatal injuries. She initially fled the scene but then returned a short while later, when she was arrested.

Drivers who are facing multiple criminal charges may feel understandably overwhelmed. Convictions for different charges do not have the same consequences, so jail time and fines may vary. A California driver accused of DUI may even lose his or her driving privileges without a conviction.

In these types of situations, a knowledgeable attorney might be able to explain a defendant’s options, which can help him or her create the strongest criminal defense possible.