Fifty-seven year old Daniel Howell of Joshua Tree now faces charges including felony hit and run, vehicular manslaughter, and DUI after careening off the road, hitting Alberto Jose Serejo, and leaving the scene.
Serejo, a famed fashion photographer, was struck and killed while shooting photos in front of the Joshua Tree Inn. Howell was not caught until he crashed into a vehicle several miles down the road.
Serejo was 51 years old, a Brazil native, and resident of Denmark. The photoshoot was taking place in front of the famed hotel where the model was able to get out of the path of the vehicle in time but Serejo was not as lucky. He died at the scene.
Howell is suspected of being under the influence of prescription drugs and inhalants, not the common reason for a DUI. Typically, when we think of DUI charges we assume they involve alcohol. This, however, is not always the case.
Under California law, you can be charged with DUI if you are found to be impaired while under the influence, leading you to be unable to drive as well as someone who is sober. This applies to alcohol intoxication or drugs and can even apply if you are taking drugs that are prescribed by your physician.
Although Howell is facing very serious charges including felony hit and run charges, the more common DUI cases are luckily not as serious.
DUI cases happen daily in our state. People off all types get charged with DUIs. Just because you are facing criminal charges doesn’t make you a thug or a low life. Everyone makes mistakes and dealing with the reprucussions can be stressful.
If you are facing DUI charges or charges of leaving the scene of an accident, I can help. Contact me for free legal advice and a consultation on your case.