California views a DUI in which there is an accident more seriously than those where a motorist is simply pulled over or caught at a checkpoint. The severity of the charges can depend upon the severity of the injuries in the accident. If there or no injuries, or only minor injuries, then the charge may just be a misdemeanor. However, serious injuries, which include broken bones or any injury requiring surgery, may cause the charge to be upgraded to a felony. Like with injuries, causing a death during a DUI is traumatic for everyone involved, and can lead to murder charges, particularly if the suspect has a previous DUI conviction. The Cerritos Patch reports on a man facing 2 counts of murder over a DUI crash.
31-year-old Alex Barragan of Norwalk had a previous DUI conviction from Orange County in 2004.
He was the driver in a tragic July 16th accident on the 605 Freeway where he crashed into a disabled minivan.
Inside the van were 52-year-old Atef Mishreky and an as-yet-unnamed 19-year-old female. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. An additional 22-year-old woman and a 7-year-old girl in the minivan were injured.
Barragan’s passenger, a 22-year-old woman, suffered from minor injuries.
At the time of the accident, Barragan’s blood-alcohol-content was .20, which is nearly 3 times the legal limit. Because of the amount of alcohol, Barragan is facing an enhanced charge of driving with blood-alcohol content of .20 or higher.
In addition to that charge, Barragan is also facing 2 counts of 2nd-degree murder and driving under the influence within 10 years of a previous conviction.
If convicted of all charges, Barragan is facing 44 years to life in state prison.
