A man who is not even of the legal drinking age has been charged with one felony count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated, the Orange County Register reports. The charge is in connection with a fatal drunk driving accident that left 24-year-old Jesus Avalos-Munguia dead at the scene on March 6, 2010. The incident occurred at approximately 2:45 a.m.
Rigoberto Mendozamora, 20, has been accused of driving under the influence and speeding on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point. Mr. Avalos-Munguia was a passenger in Mr. Mendozamora’s Honda sedan, which crashed into a tree near Green Lantern Street. Another passenger named Daniel Higuera was taken to the hospital after the collision to be treated for lacerations and abrasions to his face and body, neck pain, and other possible injuries.
Police believe that the crash occurred because Mr. Mendozamora lost control of his vehicle while he was intoxicated. The 20-year-old driver was also taken into intensive care to be treated for injuries, but was later arrested in the hospital. An investigation of the collision is still ongoing, but the Orange County District Attorney's Office claims that Mr. Mendozamora had objective signs of intoxication; including omitting a strong odor of alcohol, and having bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech, and a lack of balance.
A sentencing enhancement allegation for causing bodily injury to an additional victim has been attached to Mr. Mendozamora's felony vehicular manslaughter charge. If convicted, Mr. Mendozamora faces a maximum sentence of 11 years in state prison. For more information about DUIs, please visit our Related Resources links.
Related Resources:
- California DUI Law (FindLaw)
- California DUI Laws Under Criticism (Findlaw Blotter)
- Underage Drinking Continues to Plague Colleges (FindLaw Knowledgebase)
- Los Angeles DUI Defense Lawyer Directory (FindLaw)
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