Posted On: May 12, 2008 by Ross Jurewitz

Man Charged with Vehicular Manslaughter in Death of Orange County Teen

The Orange County DA filed felony charges against Jeffrey Woods, 20, of Huntington Beach last week in connection with the death of Danny "Oatie" Oates, 14. Mr. Woods is being charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence when he ran his truck into his victim as he was crossing the street on his bicycle.

Woods' conduct, if not mitigated by any other facts, is truly reprehensible and clearly gross negligence. Woods was driving his truck under the influence of alcohol and drugs while trying to score more drugs during a three-day period. Documents filed with the criminal court show that Woods may have even be texting while driving under the influence at the time of the accident. What was so important that he had to text his contact? Woods needed more drugs.

We commend the Orange County DA for pressing charges against Woods and hope that he is prosecuted and sentenced to the fullest extent of the law. Unfortunately, tragic car accidents happen every day due to drunk or inattentive drivers resulting in serious injury or wrongful death. At times like these, victims' families need the help of experienced, aggressive representation to obtain the maximum recovery for their injuries or loss.

If you or a loved one is the victim of a drunk or inattentive driver, call the Jurewitz Law Group as soon as possible to learn about your rights and remedies. We can help find medical treatment and long-term care assistance while we prosecute your case aggressively.