Close X

MAN SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS IN PRISON FOR DUI CRASH THAT KILLED WOMAN’S DOG AND CAUSED HER ARM TO BE AMPUTATED

Posted by Fay Arfa | Jul 03, 2017 | 0 Comments

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man was sentenced today to eight years in state prison for crashing into a woman's vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), killing her dog and causing her arm to be amputated.

Defendant Charges Sentence
David Allen Swartz II, 26, Huntington Beach Felony
  • DUI causing injury with prior
  • DUI with BAC over .08% causing injury with prior

Misdemeanor

  • Driving on a suspended license
  • Driving without a valid license

Sentencing Enhancements

  • Prior DUI conviction in 2012 in Orange County
  • Causing great bodily injury (coma)
Eight years in state prison

Circumstances of the Case

  • On Oct. 25, 2015, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Swartz was speeding on the Southbound 405 freeway in Westminster with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .13%. He was driving on a suspended license and had a prior DUI conviction.
  • The defendant's vehicle began to swerve across multiple lanes due to unsafe speed and intoxication.
  • Jane Doe was also driving on the Southbound 405 to the emergency vet with her dog, Sadie, at the time of the crime.
  • Swartz collided with Jane Doe's vehicle, which rolled multiple times, pinned the victim upside down by her seat belt, and ejected her dog, who did not survive the crash.
  • Emergency medical responders and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the scene and Swartz was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).
  • Jane Doe was transported to a trauma center and received expansive medical treatment for injuries including a crushed arm, collapsed lung, severed scalp, broken ribs, fractured sternum, and brain injuries that led to a medically-induced coma.
  • The victim's left arm was amputated as a result of her injuries.

At the sentencing today, Jane Doe gave a powerful victim impact statement pursuant to Marsy's Law. She stated in part, “Besides my many surgeries while in the hospital, my hospitalization wasn't over. I returned 4 more times for other procedures the following year.” Among many challenges, Jane Doe described how the accident changed her, stating in part, “As you can imagine, since getting injured, there were many things about driving that now made me nervous. The confidence I once had driving was ripped away from me.”

She continued, “My goal is to keep challenging myself every day. I know I must ask for help sometimes, but I will strive to be as independent as I can and make the most of this life that I have. Sometimes I watch videos of people with severe handicaps achieving amazing success in their lives. I know I will too!”

Jane Doe concluded her statement by thanking everyone who has helped her recovery, and stated, “There is no set amount of years that can give me back all that I lost financially, emotionally and or physically for the rest of my life. He needs to take responsibility. I am still afraid. I've got a long way to go.”

Prosecutor: Deputy District Attorney Harris Siddiq

Orange County District Attorney / Case # 15WF2361/ June 30, 2017

About the Author

Fay Arfa

Fay Arfa has the distinction of being Certified as a Specialist in two separate areas of law – Criminal Law as well as Appellate Law – by the California State Bar, Board of Specialization. The National Board of Trial Advocacy has also awarded her a board Certification in Criminal Trial Advocacy. ...

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Board Certifications



Contact Us Today

Fay Arfa is committed to answering your questions about Trials, Appeals, Habeas Corpus, State Crimes, Federal Crimes, and Sex Crimes law issues in California.

We offer a free telephone consultation and we'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.