The penalties for a DUI involving an accident can be much more severe than a DUI where the driver is just pulled over by police. If there are serious injuries involved, the DUI could be charged as a felony whereas being pulled over for a DUI may result in a misdemeanor. California also requires the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock if a DUI causes injuries.
In addition to the DUI charges, the driver may also be charged with DUI causing serious injury, which carries its own penalties. DUI causing serious injury is also a felony. If convicted, the driver can be charged with felony DUI for any subsequent DUIs that may follow the conviction.
The Modesto Bee reports that a driver has been arrested for DUI following an accident that seriously injured a motorcycle cop, who was driving a motorcycle at the time of the collision.
The crash occurred at about 6:49 a.m. on Thursday at the intersection of North Tully Road and West Main Street in Turlock.
Deputy Caleb Collins was westbound on West Main Street approaching Tully. A Ford pickup truck was eastbound approaching the intersection.
The driver of the truck, driven by a 33-year-old male turned into the path of Collins. Collins collided with the truck, ejecting the deputy from the motorcycle. Collins suffered from serious injuries but is in stable condition.
A DUI investigation was conducted at the scene and the driver of the truck, identified as Davis Arthur Rolland Buhrmann was taken into custody on suspicion of DUI. Charges are pending.
