Many Amazon employees report feeling the pressures of performing on the job, with limited break opportunities, fast-paced expectations, and high pressure. When some people are stressed at home or at work, they may turn to chemical substances to unwind. When the job involves delivery driving, using alcohol or drugs and getting behind the wheel can lead to a DUI.

California Amazon Driver DUI Arrest

Police were called in Simi Valley after reports of a city light pole knocked over and laying across a neighborhood sidewalk. According to the police investigation, the pole was knocked over by an Amazon delivery van that left the scene. 

Shortly after, the police got a call about another hit and run in the area, involving a parked car. When police caught up with the delivery van, they arrested the driver on suspicion of a double hit and run. The 23-year-old was found in possession of drug paraphernalia and also faces DUI charges. 

Hit and Run DUI Charges

There are lots of reasons why someone may want to leave the scene of an accident without stopping. However, leaving an accident is a crime in California. Under California Vehicle Code 20002, “The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to any property, including vehicles, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the nearest location that will not impede traffic or otherwise jeopardize the safety of other motorists.”

A misdemeanor hit and run is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months jail time and fines. If a hit and run crash involves bodily injury or death, it can be a felony, with jail time including up to up to 4 years in prison. 

Commercial DUI 

If a delivery driver has a commercial license, the penalties for getting a DUI in the commercial vehicle can be even more severe. Commercial drivers are held to a higher standard than other drivers when it comes to alcohol levels. Most drivers face a per se DUI with blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, a CDL DUI has a BAC limit of 0.04%.

For some drivers, one strong drink may be enough to put them over the limit in a commercial vehicle. Penalties include fines and possible jail time. A commercial driver will also get their CDL suspended for one year. A second CDL drunk driving conviction will result in a lifetime commercial driver's license ban. 

Drug DUI with Recreational or Medical Marijuana

It has been more than 20 years since California legalized marijuana for medical purposes. Now, California and a growing number of states have also legalized recreational marijuana. However, just because it is legal to buy and use pot, it does not mean it is okay to drive after consuming marijuana. 

Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(f), “It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any drug to drive a vehicle.” Under the definition, a drug includes marijuana, including marijuana prescribed for medical use. Other prescription medications can also lead to a drug DUI if it impairs the driver's ability to safely operate the vehicle. 

The penalties for a drug DUI are similar to an alcohol DUI, including jail time up to 6 months, fines up to $1,000, and a suspended license of up to 6 months. 

With over 37 years of experience, Lynn Gorelick understands the penalties of a DUI conviction and how to fight to keep a conviction off your record. If you are facing a DUI, contact the local East Bay DUI defense attorney who understands that you do not have to plead guilty just because you were arrested.