An Orange County DUI lawyer reported that a captain from the Long Beach Fire Department was arrested for driving under the influence. The incident occurred on April 1, 2011, John Hines, was booked for felony DUI and felony hit and run. It occurred in Seal Beach at around 1:30 p.m. at Westminster Avenue east of Bolsa Chica Road.
The police reported it appeared that the victim, riding a bicycle, was traveling east on Westminster Avenue in the bike lane when Hines drifted into the bike lane and struck the cyclist while traveling at a high rate of speed. The cyclist was struck and injured with major head trauma and fell to the ground. The witnesses reported that Hines did not stop to check on the injured rider and continued driving. Witnesses then followed Hines to the location where he was arrested.
To be prosecuted for felony Driving Under the Influence (DUI) with injury, the District Attorney must prove that: the defendant was under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, and drove a vehicle. Moreover, it is unlawful for any person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle. The defendant’s act caused bodily injury to another person.
If you or a loved one have been accused or charged with DUI, it is very important that you speak with an experienced Orange County DUI Attorney immediately.
