Woman to Face Trial In Fatal San Diego DUI Crash
A 47-year-old woman has been ordered to stand trial on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with the death of another motorist in an Aug. 31 traffic accident. According to a news article in the San Diego Union-Tribune, Deborah Schofield was charged in the death of 29-year-old Joseph Raby Jr. Prosecutors say Schofield crashed her Ford Mustang into Raby’s pickup truck on Route 56 near Carmel Valley Road.
Prosecutors also say Schofield’s blood alcohol level was 0.25 percent when tested less than two hours after the collision – that’s more than three times over the 0.08 legal limit. Prosecutors also presented witnesses during a preliminary hearing who testified that Schofield was driving erratically right before the crash, that she drove 17 feet off the road and then swerved back onto the highway and crashed into Raby’s pickup. If convicted, Schofield faces up to 10 years in prison.
We don’t know how police officers determined Ms. Schofield’s blood alcohol level – whether they drew blood or performed a breath test. Breathalyzer tests are among the most common type of testing done by police officers who determine whether or not a driver is under the influence of alcohol. But Breathalyzer tests are not completely foolproof and many times, results may be misleading. So it's important to find a DUI lawyer
We have successfully defended numerous clients who have failed a breath test and been charged with a DUI, but were not guilty of the crime. Although Breathalyzers are state-approved to collect evidence for a suspected DUI, the tests are inadequate to determine whether the person has been drinking and driving. An experienced and knowledgeable San Diego DUI defense attorney understands the inaccuracies of blood tests and can determine whether your readings should be aggressively challenged. Sometimes, the instrument can give out a wrong reading if you have been eating certain types of food such as bread or spicy food; if you have been fasting; if you are diabetic and have not been receiving treatment and if you’ve been inhaling paint, lacquer or gasoline fumes.
Overall, it takes an experienced attorney to defend your DUI case and save you the dire consequences such as license suspension, jail time, probation, hefty fines and other penalties. If you or someone has been charged with a DUI in San Diego, contact the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case honestly and give you the best possible course of action for your defense.
