Report: Driver Arrested After Alleged DUI Hit and Run Crash in Santa Barbara
According to a report from Noozhawk, a 23-year-old man has been arrested on multiple charges after a suspected DUI hit and run crash. The victim of the collision was a juvenile bicyclist. He was transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital with moderate injuries. In this blog post, our Santa Barbara DUI defense lawyer provides a more detailed overview of the allegations and the charges.
Driver Fled Scene, Found With Signs of Alcohol Intoxication
A representative of the Santa Barbara Police Department reports that a maroon pickup truck collided with a bicycle near the intersection of Anacapa street and East Ortega street. The boy riding the bicycle was dragged nearly 20 feet when the crash occurred. Multiple witnesses reported that the pickup truck sped away from the scene of the accident. The vehicle was pursued by members of the public and the license plate number was provided to law enforcement.
Soon after the accident, the suspect was located parked in relative close proximity to the crash site. Notably, the maroon pickup truck discovered by police had front bumper damage that was consistent with the reported collision. Nearby, 23-year-old Miguel Angel Gonzalez was found sleeping. The Santa Barbara Police Department states that he showed signs consistent with intoxication. He was arrested and charged with multiple offenses.
An Overview of the Criminal Charges
The suspected driver in this hit-and-run case is facing two separate felony charges. Here is an overview of the specific criminal charges filed by prosecutors:
Hit and Run Causing Injury: In California, drivers have a legal duty to stop their vehicle and remain at the scene of the accident. A hit and run is a criminal offense. The charge is enhanced to a felony offense if someone was injured in the crash (California Vehicle Code § 20001). Depending on the severity of the victim's injuries, a conviction for a felony hit and run could result in multiple years in jail.
DUI Causing Injury: Drunk driving is generally a misdemeanor criminal offense in California. However, this offense can be enhanced to a felony if someone was hurt in the crash. Under California Vehicle Code § 23153, a felony DUI causing injury is punishable by up to three years in county jail.
As of the time the article was published, the defendant was in custody in the Santa Barbara County Jail. His bail amount was listed at $100,000. Like all defendants, he is presumed innocent.
Contact Our Santa Barbara Criminal Defense Attorney Today
At Andrade Law Offices, our Santa Barbara DUI defense lawyer is a skilled, results-focused advocate for clients. We will protect your rights. If you or your family member one was arrested for a DUI or a hit and run charge, we can help. Contact us now for a strictly confidential consultation. With a legal office in Santa Barbara, our firm serves communities throughout the region, including in Santa Maria, Lompoc, Carpinteria, Buellton, Solvang, Goleta, and Guadalupe.