(Woodland, CA) – March 12, 2024 On February 28, 2024, Woodland man, James Hernandez-Cruz, 28, was sentenced to 5 years of felony probation and 364 days jail, stayed pending completion of a one year residential treatment program. Hernandez-Cruz entered a no contest plea to driving under the influence of alcohol and admitted enhancements for causing great bodily injury and driving with a blood alcohol content of .15 or higher on January 17, 2024. In addition to the jail time and the residential treatment, his terms of probation prohibit the consumption of drugs and alcohol, he is to wear an alcohol monitoring device for 1 year, complete a 9-month DUI class and pay restitution to the victims.
On August 17, 2022, Hernandez-Cruz, while under the influence of alcohol veered into oncoming traffic driving well above the speed limit. Hernandez-Cruz hit a car with three female, recent high school graduates head-on, causing each to sustain significant injuries and bring their college plans to a screeching halt. Hernandez-Cruz was also injured in the crash. His blood alcohol content was .24, three times the legal limit.
At sentencing, the victims and their families gave victim impact statements detailing the pain and suffering they endured because of the DUI collision. Each voiced a hope that no one else will be harmed in such a reckless and senseless way by a DUI-driver. The Honorable Judge Samuel McAdam listened attentively before sentencing Hernandez-Cruz, emphasizing the lasting impact that these crimes have on the entire community.
District Attorney Jeff Reisig said, “These victims had their lives turned upside down by this senseless and avoidable crime. We will continue to fight for justice and public safety in prosecuting DUI offenders and holding them accountable for their actions.”
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Allen as part of the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office of Traffic Safety grant.
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