San Diego DUI Lawyer Blog

A North San Diego based Marine from Camp Pendleton has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison in a fatal DUI crash that took the life of a Newport Beach doctor and seriously injuring his wife in 2008.

Lance Cpl. Elijah Ferguson was driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding when he smashed into the back of an Aston Martin that was stopped at a red light at Jamboree Road and MacArthur Blvd. killing Dr. Michael Sein and seriously injuring his wife Grace. The DUI driver was driving about 75 mph when the fatal accident occurred on February 22, 2008.

Ferguson said “I’m sorry for what I did and for what I did not do,” meaning that he had planned to sleep off his drunkenness at Camp Pendleton before getting into his car and driving home. The intoxicated driver's blood-alcohol level was two times the legal limit.

Ferguson’s criminal defense attorney was hoping for probation, wanting his client to receive treatment at a San Diego facility for post-traumatic stress disorder. Ferguson who has no prior convictions was convicted on Dec 9 to second-degree murder and DUI charges. He was sentenced Friday to 15 years to life in prison.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

If you or someone you know is arrested for DUI in San Diego it is in your best interest to contact an experienced San Diego DUI lawyer to represent you with your drunken driving case. Driving under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug in California is against the law.

If you have 0.08 percent or more by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with a DUI if apprehended. You could be facing fines and jail time if convicted.

Lance Cpl. Elijah Leigh Ferguson Faces 15 Years In Prison For DUI Manslaughter, 10news.com, January 22, 2010

Former Marine sentenced for killing doctor, The Orange County Register, January 22, 2010

Web Related Resources

California DUI guidelines about DUI