Doctors will tell you that drinking while pregnant is never a good idea. Nor is it a good idea to drink and then drive while pregnant. The consequences can be severe for both the driver and the unborn child and are not just limited to possible prison time.
23-year old Candice Ooley has been being held at the Madera County jail since May 20th. She allegedly caused an auto accident on Highway 41 that claimed the life of one man and injured two others. Ooley was pregnant at the time of the crash.
Ooley gave birth while in custody last month and was allowed just four days to bond with her child before it was handed over to Ooley’s mother.
Ooley, who has a previous DUI charge, is now facing charges of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter with gross bodily injury. If convicted on all charges, Ooley faces the prospect of more than 20 years in prison.
Ooley’s defense attorney, Daniel K. Martin asked prosecution if they would take a plea deal, but prosecution declined. They either want to go to trial or have Ooley plead guilty to all the crimes she is charged with currently.
At the time of the May accident, Ooley had a .32 blood-alcohol content, which is four times the legal limit. She struck a 2006 Hummer H3, forcing it down an embankment, killing Frederico Duarte Nunez Silva, 47, of Lemoore.
Martin stated that Ooley has expressed regret for her actions. At the time, she had been fleeing from her home in Clovis and a domestic violence incident.
Ooley is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on September 9th in Madera County Superior Court.
If you have been charged with DUI, it is important that you have legal representation. Our attorneys specialize in the defense of DUI charges. Contact us today.
