Our Westminster drunk driving criminal defense lawyers were disappointed to read about the death of a woman in Orange County Jail last week. The Orange County Register reported that Cynthia Kaye Drury, 46, was arrested on suspicion of heroin possession just before New Year's Day. Drury, of Norwalk, had not yet been charged with anything and was staying in the jail's Intake and Release Center, where inmates are kept on their way into and out of prison or court dates. She was found unresponsive in her cell on Dec. 31, from ailments the article did not specify. The district attorney's office is investigating the death, as is standard, and an autopsy will be performed, but no information will be released until the investigation is complete.
Drury ended up in jail after a witness called police to report a possible drunk driver. The caller said he or she was following a Ford Mustang through west Anaheim. Police found the Mustang in a parking lot with Drury behind the wheel; a passenger had already gotten out of the car. It's not clear whether officers administered field sobriety tests or a breath or blood test; no charges of DUI were reported in the article. However, officers reportedly searched the car and came up with a baggie of heroin in Drury's bag, leading to the drug possession charges. They also charged her with driving with a suspended license. At 7:30 p.m. the next day, sheriff's deputies found her unresponsive. Deputies called the jail's medical staff and paramedics, but they were unable to revive her.
As Long Beach DUI criminal defense attorneys, we hope the investigation by the prosecutor's office doesn't turn up any foul play by the police, or an intentional refusal to provide medical help. Accidents happen in jail and prison, but California prisons have also been criticized for failing to provide needed medical care to inmates. Whatever you may think of prisoners -- and working in criminal defense underscores the sad fact that not every prisoner is guilty -- letting prisoners suffer and die is a violation of their human rights. When people are in police custody, they literally depend on the officers for the most basic care. After all, prisoners cannot leave for medical care or call someone to come to them. Drunk driving and drug possession are crimes, but dying in custody is an unreasonably high price to pay.
Howard Law, P.C. represents Californians who are charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, with or without an accident to complicate the case. DUI carries a stigma, and that means public sentiment has allowed police and prosecutors to pump up the penalties. As a result, even a first drunk driving conviction with no injuries can result in jail or probation, alcohol education classes, thousands of dollars in fines or fees, the loss of your driver's license and more. Even if you're sure you'll be convicted, you should always talk to our Downey intoxicated driving criminal defense lawyers before pleading guilty. Police officers make mistakes at work just like everyone else, and sometimes, those mistakes can get the case dismissed or the charges significantly reduced. We look for those and other ways to minimize the effect of a DUI on your life, your job and your loved ones.
If you're charged with drunk driving in California and you're not ready to give up fighting it, you should call Howard Law, P.C. as soon as possible. To learn more or set up a free consultation, send us a message through our website or call us toll-free at 1-800-872-5925 today.
