Underage DUI in California is treated with zero tolerance. Although a youth under 21 caught with a slightly raised blood alcohol level of .01% may not be charged with a crime, the penalty is a suspension of that person’s license for a year. If caught with a blood alcohol level of .08% or higher, the underage motorist may be charged with an adult DUI. Even being under the influence of prescription or other drugs can be charged as DUI if it affects a person’s ability to drive. KTLA reports on a juvenile facing several charges, including driving under the influence, after a police pursuit claimed one life and injured several others.
Last Friday, an unidentified juvenile female was arrested on several charges which include murder and driving under the influence.
The charges come five days after she allegedly stole a car and was pursued by police before crashing into an SUV on Sunday, February 18th. The crash occurred at the intersection of West Palmdale Boulevard and 10th Avenue West.
Both vehicles were badly damaged in the crash.
The occupants of the SUV included an infant, two adults – a male and a female – and two teenagers. The female died shortly after arriving at the hospital. One teenager has since been released, but all other occupants are still being treated for their injuries.
The juvenile is facing charges of murder, vehicular manslaughter, evading a peace officer resulting in injury, carjacking, driving under the influence, and driving while unlicensed.
She is being held without bail and is not being identified due to her age.
