On Saturday, October 4, 30-year-old Osmon DeLeon of Petaluma, California was involved in an accident on Highway 101 in San Rafael that resulted in the death of another motorist, according to SFGate. The name of the victims were not released, although the news report did indicate that the driver and passenger of the Toyota the victim was driving were taken to Marin General Hospital, where the driver was pronounced dead.
DeLeon was hospitalized briefly for his injuries, before being booked into the Marin County Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence and manslaughter. According to California Highway Patrol spokesman Officer Andrew Barclay, a citizen called regarding a motorist who was possibly intoxicated at about 1:20 in the morning. The citizen reported that the erratic driving motorist was headed in a northbound direction on Highway 101 near North San Pedro Road, and was driving a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero.
DeLeon’s SUV veered off of the freeway and into an embankment before swerving back onto the freeway lanes, where it then rear-ended the victim’s vehicle and caused both vehicles to flip before landing back on their wheels. He was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving causing injury or death, and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Michigan DUI defense attorneys understand that these are extremely serious charges. Being charged with driving under the influence on its own is serious enough, however when an innocent person is seriously injured or killed because of drunk driving, the matter becomes far more serious. In Michigan, the criminal penalties if found guilty of DUI causing death include up to 15 years in prison, along with thousands of dollars in fines, vehicle forfeiture, and suspension or revocation of the offender’s driver’s license.
Even a simple DUI offense for a first-time offender can result in jail time, fines of up to $500, community service, and license suspension. Regardless of the seriousness of your situation, contact a Michigan DUI lawyer immediately so that work can begin to protect your freedom, legal rights, and reputation.