Most intoxicated drivers are caught by police long before they can be involved in an accident. However, those involved in a collision may be tempted to leave the scene. In California, this can add other charges to what would otherwise just be a DUI charge. If the crash involves only property damage, the charge would be a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge. However, if the accident involves injuries or death, the hit-and-run charge can be upgraded to a felony. If the driver was intoxicated, the hit-and-run charge would be in addition to any other DUI charges the driver is facing. The DUI could be upgraded to a felony, especially when injuries or death is involved.
KEYT 3 News reports that the bail for a suspected DUI driver involved in a fatal crash has been raised to $1 million.
39-year-old Eric Mauricio Ramirez Aguilar has been booked into Santa Barbara County Jail, and his bail has been increased to $1 million.
Ramirez Aguilar is currently facing two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, one count of DUI causing injury, one count of hit-and-run involving death, and other felony charges related to a deadly crash.
The crash occurred on Sunday at the intersection of Cathedral Oaks and Winchester Canyon Road. He allegedly was involved in an accident that claimed the lives of 44-year-old Adolfo Corral and his wife, 44-year-old Mary Jane Becerra Corral.
Ramirez Aguilar fled the scene of the accident. He was arrested a few hours later in Carpinteria.
