Alameda County Sheriff's Office Dispatcher Killed in San Leandro by DUI Driver
DUI Accident, San Leandro, CA
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Dispatcher is Dead after a Collision with a Suspected DUI Driver at the Intersection of East 14th Street and 150th Avenue
San Leandro, CA -A dispatcher with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office was tragically killed in a suspected drunk-driving crash in San Leandro. The dispatcher, Antoinette Finau, was on her way to work when her car was broadsided and overturned at the intersection of East 14th Street and 150th Avenue late Sunday night.
The Incident
On Sunday, May 5, 2024, at approximately 11:14 p.m., officers from the San Leandro Police Department responded to a rollover vehicle collision at the intersection of East 14th Street and 150th Avenue. They found an unconscious driver with significant injuries, later identified as Antoinette Finau, an emergency services dispatcher with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation revealed that Finau’s car had been broadsided and rolled over as she crossed the intersection. Finau was on her way to work at the time of the crash. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
The driver of the other vehicle, a 32-year-old woman, was unharmed and arrested at the scene for suspected driving under the influence. She was booked into Santa Rita Jail on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury.
In a social media post, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Finau, who had worked with the department for nearly three years. They described her as “a dedicated, energetic, loving member of the department who took pride in her work because helping others gave her great joy.”
The San Leandro Police Department also issued a statement, extending condolences to Finau’s family and colleagues, and reminding the public of the dangers of impaired driving.
Legal Implications
In California, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense with severe consequences. California Vehicle Code Section 23153 stipulates that a driver can be charged with felony DUI if they cause injury or death while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In the case of Antoinette Finau, the suspected drunk driver was charged with vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing bodily injury. Vehicular manslaughter is a felony with significant penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines.
National and statewide data underscore the gravity of the issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities in 2022 involved alcohol-impaired driving. In California alone, the Office of Traffic Safety recorded 1,120 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in 2022. This emphasizes the persistent threat that drunk driving poses to road safety.
Locally, the San Leandro Police Department has observed a worrying uptick in DUI arrests over the past year. The tragic loss of Finau is a stark reminder of the life-threatening consequences of impaired driving and the importance of stringent enforcement and legal accountability.
The loss of Antoinette Finau serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. In such cases, legal representation is crucial to ensure justice is served. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can help families navigate the complex legal process, hold responsible parties accountable, and secure the compensation they deserve.
With over 50 years of experience, the Scranton Law Firm has recovered more than $1 billion for injured clients and their families. Our attorneys are skilled in handling cases involving vehicular manslaughter, DUI accidents, and wrongful death. We understand the emotional and financial toll these incidents can have on families and are committed to providing empathetic, effective representation.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a similar incident, contact the Scranton Law Firm today. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will guide you through every step of the legal process, fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with us to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
FAQs
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What charges does the suspected drunk driver face in this incident?
The suspected drunk driver has been charged with vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury. Both charges are serious felonies in California. -
What is vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in California?
Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, as defined by California Penal Code Section 191.5, is a felony offense where a driver causes the death of another person while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Convictions can result in significant prison sentences and heavy fines. -
What legal recourse do families have in cases involving drunk-driving deaths?
Families can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide families through the legal process and hold responsible parties accountable. -
How can a personal injury attorney assist in DUI fatality cases?
A personal injury attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, liaise with law enforcement, and build a strong case to pursue compensation. They also handle negotiations with insurance companies and represent families in court if necessary. -
How long do families have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in California?
In California, families typically have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, it’s essential to consult with a personal injury attorney promptly to ensure all legal deadlines are met.
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Don’t navigate the aftermath of a DUI accident alone. Let the Scranton Law Firm stand by your side. With over 50 years of experience as personal injury lawyers, we’ve helped thousands recover from their losses. If you or a loved one are affected by a San Leandro DUI accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Secure your rights and seek the justice you deserve. Call us now for a free consultation – The Scranton Law Firm, your trusted ally in these challenging times. Call 800-707-0707 now.
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