People v. Shales CA2/2

BACKGROUND

The automobile accident and arrest In August 2022, defendant rear-ended a parked vehicle while driving intoxicated at a high rate of speed. Defendant immediately left the scene of the collision without providing any personal information. Shortly afterwards, defendant collided head-on with the rental car driven by Gunsolly who was with his family on vacation. First responders arrived and rendered aid to the victims and defendant. Officers observed defendant showed symptoms of being under the influence, administered a field sobriety test, and placed her under arrest. Defendant’s blood alcohol level was between 0.18 and 0.19 percent. Defendant had three prior driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) convictions. The charges and sentencing In September 2022, defendant was charged in a felony complaint with hit-and-run driving resulting in injury to another person (Veh. Code, § 20001, subd. (b)(1); count 1), DUI causing injury (Veh. Code, § 23153, subd. (a); count 2), and driving with a 0.08 percent blood alcohol content causing injury (Veh. Code,

1 All undesignated statutory references are to the Penal Code.

2 § 23153, subd. (b); count 3). There were further…