San Francisco Resident Arrested for Felony DUI with Injuries in SF Mission District (CA Vehicle Code 23153 and 20001)

45-year-old San Franciscan (name withheld to protect the anonymity of the accused) was arrested this past Friday night on charges of DUI (CA Vehicle Code 23153), hit and run (CA Vehicle Code 20001), and failure to keep a vehicle within a lane of traffic (CA Vehicle Code 21658).  An unidentified woman was taken to San Francisco General hospital with seemingly life-threatening injuries, making his actions a felony.

In California, felony hit and run charges may be levied against an individual when there has been serious injury to another person, as in the case discussed above.  Using the term ‘felony,’ however, is really a misnomer, as this California hit and run is actually a wobbler, meaning that it may be considered a misdemeanor or as a felony at the discretion of the prosecutor.  If prosecuted as a felony, a hit and run conviction could end in up to 3 years in state prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.  When, as in this case, there has been serious injury, 2 to 4 years may be added to the already lengthy state prison sentence.

The fact that he’s been accused of driving while under the influence complicated the matter.  If you are convicted on charges of DUI with injury (CA Vehicle Code 23153)  you may be facing 3 to 6 years in state prison, plus an additional (and consecutive) 3 to 6 years.  As new information has been scant in this particular case, it is certain that he will be subject to many fines and penalties as there are multiple charges against him.