In California, getting into an accident while intoxicated can result in a slew of charges. Not only will the driver likely be charged with a typical DUI, which is a misdemeanor, if people are hurt, more charges can be filed. These charges include DUI causing injury, which is a charge known as a “wobbler.” This means that it can be charged either as a felony or a misdemeanor. Whether it is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor often lies in how badly the other person(s) was injured and other circumstances surrounding the incident. Both charges, felony or misdemeanor, come with probation and possible jail time as well as expensive fines and fees.
KSBY reports that a man was arrested on DUI charges following a deadly Paso Robles crash. The charges stem from a July 13th crash that killed the man’s passenger.
32-year-old Wilder Blue Barela is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence as well as charges of DUI with injury and personal infliction. The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office announced the charges on Tuesday.
Blue was arrested following the crash. According to California Highway Patrol officers, Blue’s vehicle went off-road and slammed into a tree.
His passenger, identified as 25-year-old Maya Lakshima Visvanathan, was killed in the accident.
Blue is being held at the San Luis Obispo County Jail on a $100,000 bond. Reports allege that Blue’s BAC was 0.10% at the time of the crash.
It is not clear whether or not Blue has entered a plea against the charges.
