DA creates unit to prosecute DUI crashes

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – The San Diego’s Attorney Office is getting a huge boost in prosecuting DUI related crimes. The D.A.’s office announced the formation of a special unit that will zero in on DUI drivers who cause death or serious injuries.

The District Attorney’s Office new unit will go after killers who roam San Diego roads either drunk or drugged.

A $500,000 state grant will pay for the work of two D.A.’s and one investigator to prosecute cases that end in serious injuries or death.

D.A. Bonnie Dumanis hailed the new team and its power to move cases through the justice system more quickly.

Deputy D.A. Cally Bright will be the chief of the special unit. She has prosecuted hundreds of DUI cases, including some that involved pills, like the sleep aid, Ambien.

The new team of prosecutors are ready to combat those crimes and ready to hand out punishment.

Many DUI offenders try to run away after a crash, but the special unit will be working closely with law enforcement to track down those hit and run drivers.

So far this year, the D.A.’s office has filed murder or manslaughter charges in 15 DUI cases.

A conviction on second degree murder means a 15 year to life in prison sentence.