A father from Inglewood who was involved in a car accident allegedly caused by him driving under the influence of alcohol learned that he will face an upcoming trial for his charges. His 10-year-old daughter was a passenger in the front seat and she was initially reported in critical condition from the crash.
On October 6 Gil Paul Hernandez was driving through Torrance in his BMW with his daughter in the car. He has been accused of causing an accident involving three vehicles. According to witnesses at the scene Hernandez was driving erratically and at a high speed, and frequently changing lanes in order to pass other cars. His BMW crashed into a Chevrolet Impala in front of him, and he was unsuccessful in his attempt to stabilize the BMW before making impact with a Toyota Camry traveling on the opposite side of the street.
Officers arrived at the scene, and nearly an hour after the accident Hernandez agreed to breathalyzer tests which recorded 0.099 and 0.098 percent blood alcohol content. When he agreed to a blood test it came back as 0.09 percent. These numbers exceed the legal limit of 0.08 percent in the state of California.
Hernandez and the driver of the Chevrolet were not injured, and the woman driving the Toyota was treated for minor injuries. Hernandez’s daughter was unconscious and sustained a broken pelvis along with other injuries. She was declared in critical condition. Before taking Hernandez into custody he was permitted to chaperone her to the emergency room where she received surgical intervention.
Torrance Court Judge Hector Guzman determined at Hernandez’s pretrial that he would face trial on charges of felony counts of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury, driving with a 0.08 percent or more blood-alcohol content causing injury and child abuse with an additional allegation for each offense for personally inflicted great bodily injury in the commission of the offenses.
Hernandez’s arraignment is scheduled on December 19 and if he is convicted he could face nine years in prison.
His daughter was reported in stable condition as she continues her recovery.
If you or someone you love is suspected of DUI/DWI, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.