Driver Charged with a DUI and Murder in Fatal North Hills Crash

A woman from Panorama City accused of driving under the influence was charged with murder and 12 other counts in connection with two collisions in North Hills, which killed a father, injured six people, and left two of the deceased’s children comatose. Saidy Samayoa is the guilty person in this case, well, alleged guilty person. Some people believe this trial should last about 2 hours, at the most two days.

According to Daily News and much to the dismay of California DUI lawyers, 20-year old Saidy Samayoa was allegedly fleeing a separate hit-and-run accident at the time. She was charged with murder for killing a 37-year old father from North Hills who sustained critical injuries in a crash on Haskell Avenue and Parthenia Street on Sunday morning. The man’s name had not been released as of Tuesday by coroner’s officials. Authorities said that he died later at a hospital.

The felony charges against Samayoa include vehicular manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol, hit-and-run driving that resulted in injury to others, eight counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, and reckless driving on a highway that caused injury to others. According to the complaint filed by the Los Angeles County DA’s office, she was also charged with one count of misdemeanor driving without a license.

Police said that Samayoa was allegedly driving a 2000 Toyota Runner that was involved in a hit-and-run collision at Sepulveda Boulevard and Parthenia Street. She then drove off at a high speed and allegedly failed to stop at the red light, striking a white Toyota Sienna minivan on Haskell Avenue. Multiple people were ejected from the minivan, which rolled over after being struck.

When compared to this, staying home and reading a book seems heavenly. 

The first responders on the scene were the Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics who took all occupants to local hospitals. Samayoa suffered internal injuries and a broken arm, and her two 19- and 20-year old male passengers sustained injuries as well, reported ABC7. Why they chose to hang out with her, has not been reported nor will it probably ever be.  

According to the complaint, a man driving a vehicle that the SUV hit in the earlier hit-and-run accident was also injured and he will be needing a California DUI attorney as well. Saidy Samayoa did not use good judgment. She has just tossed away her life before it ever really began.  

There is no arraignment date set for Samayoa and hopefully she has a fabulous DUI lawyer working for her. Her days of freedom are over with. Saidy Samayoa should have used the brake and not the gas pedal.

You may not think you can afford legal help. But why make assumptions? And is your future not worth better legal representation than what the public defender’s office can provide? You may only be in this situation once, why not have someone representing you who does not have 60 similar cases on their desk? Click right here DUI-USAttorneys.com to see some lawyers that could possibly make your life that much better.

DUI or DWI Penalties and Punishments

According to the California DMV, the percentage of DUI, felony arrests increased from 2.6% in 2011 to 2.9% in 2012. In 2012, 23% of all DUI arrests took place in Los Angeles County.

As with any criminal charge, anyone charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If he or she is found guilty, the penalty will depend on state law and on any aggravating circumstances, e.g. an open liquor bottle in the car, and also on how the defendant cooperates with the police.

Jail time – First-offense DUI or DWI, classified as a misdemeanor in all states, is punishable by up to 6 months in jail. Under certain circumstances, the jail time may be increased. In many states, jail sentences of a minimum of a few days are required. Subsequent offenses will lead to jail sentences of a couple of months to a year.

Felony DUI or DWI results in jail sentences of several years. This, again, depends on state law, the judge’s discretion, and the facts of the case. Your chances improve if you have a stellar California DUI lawyer defending you.

If you are going to drink a lot, keep the keys in your pocket until you are able to drive, have a designated driver. or stick to water. Water is healthier as well.  

Fines – In addition to jail sentences, high fines can and are imposed by courts for DUI or DWI. These range from $500 to as much as $2,000.

Driver's license problems – There is a striking chance that a DWI or DUI offender will have his license suspended for a stipulated period of time – either by mandate of the state motor vehicles department or court order.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a DUI or DWI accident, you should immediately contact a California DUI lawyer. Their expertise will ensure that your rights are protected and you receive a striking legal defense during your trial. You will not get a second shot at this. You will not receive another pitch – this is not baseball. You get one legal swing at this, this is why you need strong legal help fighting for your case and name.  

Contact us if you have any questions.