The 18 year old driver was driving under the influence and on her phone at the time of the accident.
Tragedy struck in Northern California in late July, as an 18 year old driver was arrested for vehicular manslaughter while under the influence and DUI . According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Obdulia Sanchez was driving under the influence with her 14 year old sister and another minor in the backseat of the car. Sanchez was allegedly live streaming video while driving when she crashed in Fresno, near the intersection of Henry Miller Road and Highway 165. The car rolled over into a barbed wire fence and then into a field. The two minors in the back seat of the vehicle were not wearing seat belts. One, Ms. Sanchez’ sister Jacqueline, was killed in the collision. The other was badly injured.
CHP said it was unclear what Ms. Sanchez was under the influence of at the time of the accident. In the video, Ms. Sanchez stated, “I killed my sister, but I don’t care. I killed my sister. I know I’m going to prison, but I don’t care. I’m sorry baby.” Ms. Sanchez has been charged with vehicular manslaughter while under the influence and DUI.
California takes the crime of driving under the influence very seriously, and this recent tragedy highlights why: alcohol and drugs reduce the ability of drivers to handle vehicles properly, and can result in serious and deadly accidents. In this situation, the combination of alcohol and/or drugs and the use of a cell phone while driving may have led to the horrific accident that took the life of young Jacqueline Sanchez and caused grave injuries to another minor. It will also have a lifelong impact on Obdulia Sanchez, who may never recover from being responsible for the death of her sister.
While the fate of Obdulia Sanchez has yet to be determined, a DUI accident causing injury or death will likely lead to significant penalties, including lengthy jail time. In contrast, most first-time DUIs are charged as misdemeanor offenses, with penalties including a license suspension, probation, DUI school, community service, fines and fees. With the assistance of an experienced Los Angeles DUI defense attorney, you may be able to have your first-time misdemeanor DUI charge reduced to a wet or dry reckless conviction, or have your case dismissed entirely.
At the Chambers Law Firm, we would like to remind our clients that the safest bet is to never drink and drive. However, if you have been charged with driving under the influence, we can help. We work collaboratively with our clients to help them achieve the best possible results for their charges. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation.
