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-Editorial
On July 12, 2024, the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office successfully obtained a guilty verdict in a jury trial for misdemeanor driving under the influence of Xanax. The jury, composed of 12 members, unanimously agreed that Senior Deputy District Attorney John Harter had proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The California Highway Patrol, El Centro Area, served as the arresting agency, with CHP Officer Mark Maldonado providing key testimony regarding his investigation that led to the arrest. Following the verdict, the Honorable Monica Lepe Negrete sentenced the defendant to three years of formal probation, which included drug testing and participation in a drug abuse program. Additionally, the sentence includes a 90-day jail term, suspended, a requirement that the defendant’s property be subject to searches, substantial fines, and completion of a first-offender driving under the influence program. The conviction will also result in the suspension of the defendant’s driver’s license.
This case underscores a common public misconception that driving under the influence only pertains to alcohol. It highlights the dangers and legal consequences of driving under the influence of other substances, such as Xanax. The District Attorney’s Office emphasized the importance of preventing individuals from driving under the influence of any mind-altering drugs, whether illegal or legally prescribed, to ensure community safety and reduce the risk of vehicular accidents.