After a DUI conviction, many drivers are sentenced to serve both probation and attend a DUI school. While serving probation, the driver’s probation officer will often advise them of the consequences should they drive drunk again. These warnings are often given again during the course of DUI school. Sometimes, the driver will be asked to sign a Watson advisement, stating that they are aware that if they drive while intoxicated and kill someone, they can be charged with murder. DUI murder is a second-degree murder charge, punishable by a term of 15 years to life in prison.
NBC Los Angeles reports that a woman on probation is charged with murder after hitting and killing a pedestrian.
Riverside resident 27-year-old Lizbet Diaz was arraigned on Saturday night.
According to the Riverside Sheriff’s Office, Diaz was allegedly speeding eastbound in her sedan along San Jacinto Avenue. At about 7 p.m., she veered to the right and hit two parked vehicles. She then plowed into 53-year-old Rogelio Merlan as he walked on the shoulder.
Merlan suffered from catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene less than 20 minutes later. Diaz suffered only from minor injuries but was taken to the hospital to be cleared. Once she was cleared, she was arrested.
Diaz was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the collision, but her blood-alcohol level was not released.
Diaz has a previous DUI conviction from last year. She was sentenced to 36 months of probation as well as compulsory attendance in a rehabilitation program.
Diaz is facing charges of second-degree murder and probation violations.
