Multiple DUI Offender Convicted of Vehicular Manslaughter in Bike Accident Case
The Orange County Register has reported that Heather Elizabeth Azkoul has been convicted of hitting and killing Virginia Cordier in a January 2007 bike accident. According to reports, Ms. Azkoul had been speeding on Beach Boulevard in her 1994 Oldsmobile, when her car slammed into Ms. Cordier's bicycle, killing the biker instantly. Instead of stopping to help, Ms. Azkoul fled the scene in a panic. She was subsequently pulled over later, after being identified by a tow truck driver.
Police found that--a full hour and a half after the accident--Ms. Azkoul still had a BAC level of 0.18%-- 0.10% percent more than the state's legal limit. Ms. Azkoul's attorneys had argued that Ms. Cordier had been riding around without reflectors on her bike and driving in conditions of poor visibility. The jury, however, was not moved by these arguments. They convicted Ms. Azkoul on all counts. The defendant had been arrested for DUI twice before--once in 2002, once in 2004. Her sentencing is pending. She could receive as many as 20 years to life behind bars.
The tragic events of January 23, 2007 were likely only compounded by Ms. Azkoul's decision at the time to flee the scene of the accident. Humans naturally react to stress with "flight or fight" responses--but abandoning a biker you've just run over is neither moral nor legal.
If you ever get into a DUI crash, don't panic or flee the scene. This will only likely compound your legal woes. Instead, take compassionate action--without admitting guilt or otherwise self-incriminating. Then, as quickly as possible afterwards, get legal help to build a sound defense. The Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky may be able to assist. We offer free, totally confidential consultations. Get in touch with us at www.CriminalAttorneySanDiego.com.
