California has a group of charges that can be added to a DUI charge but are not separate charges. These charges are called enhancements and they increase the penalties for the DUI charge. One of these enhancements, for example, is called the “excessive BAC” enhancement. This is charged when someone has a blood-alcohol content of .15% or more and again at .20% or more. Another example of an enhancement is DUI with a minor. This can be added to a DUI charge if there are minors under age 14 in the car. It should also be kept in mind that this enhancement can also be charged as a separate crime, child endangerment, as well.
The Sacramento Bee reports that a woman bit another driver and then abandoned her children after a suspected DUI accident.
23-year-old Lizette Yesenia Aguilar is facing charges of driving under the influence, leaving the scene of a crash, battery of an officer, child endangerment, and child abandonment.
The charges stem from an accident that occurred Friday night at about 8:30 p.m. in Hollister. Aguilar allegedly hit a parked car. She then got out of her vehicle and when the owner of the vehicle she hit made contact, Aguilar bit her and fled the scene.
In Aguilar’s car were three children, aged 7, 4, and 1-year-old. Aguilar took the oldest child with her.
Police began a search of a nearby apartment complex when Aguilar returned to the scene.
Police said that Aguilar became combative and did not cooperate with police. She was taken to a hospital for evaluation. She was abusive towards hospital staff and continued to resist police officers. She kicked officers several times.
Police had family members pick the children up. Police also contacted Child Protective Services.
