Felony DUI, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Hit‑and‑Run: Serious Charges Dismissed, Probation and No Jail Time

Client was charged with seven serious counts: driving under the influence causing injury under Vehicle Code § 23153(a), driving with a measurable blood alcohol level causing injury under Vehicle Code § 23153(b), assault with a deadly weapon under Penal Code § 245(a)(1), felony evading under Vehicle Code § 2800.2(a), hit‑and‑run with injury under Vehicle Code § 20001(a), and two counts of misdemeanor hit‑and‑run under Vehicle Code § 20002(a). The case also carried a personal use of a vehicle as a dangerous weapon enhancement and exposed the client to years in state prison, loss of driving privlidges for life, and a strike‑eligible offense. After extensive investigation, expert workup, and a litigated mental health diversion motion under Penal Code § 1001.36, all serious felony charges were dismissed. The client pled only to a single DUI count, received probation, and served no jail time.

The case arose when our client, a new mother suffering from severe postpartum depression, experienced a manic‑like episode and adverse reaction to newly prescribed medication. The District Attorney alleged that she intentionally rammed multiple motorists with her car, causing property damage and minor injuries, then fled the scene, colliding with additional vehicles, and later attempted to evade officers at high speed.

Recognizing the stakes, Griffin Law Office immediately launched a comprehensive defense. We retained top mental health experts, to evaluate the client’s condition. Their findings documented that the offense was the result of a severe postpartum mental health crisis, compounded by panic and impaired judgment rather than criminal intent. Our team also conducted a thorough investigation into the collision sequence, medical records, and psychological history, building a compelling mitigation package to present to the District Attorney and the court.

We then litigated a complex mental health diversion motion under Penal Code § 1001.36, presenting expert testimony, treatment records, and the client’s active compliance with psychiatric care. This strategic approach persuaded the court and the prosecution that long‑term treatment and supervision, not incarceration, was the just resolution.

Ultimately, all serious felonies and enhancements were dismissed, leaving only a single DUI count. The client received probation with no jail time, and her life, career, and ability to care for her infant child remained intact.

This result exemplifies how immediate action, expert involvement, and strategic mental health litigation can achieve extraordinary outcomes even in cases involving alleged intentional collisions and strike‑level exposure.