Huntington Beach Driver Kills Bicyclist While Under Influence of Prescription Drugs

Jeffrey Woods is currently on trial for killing a 14-year-old bicyclist in 2007. Allegedly, Woods had been texting while driving and was also under the influence of Xanax and Vicodin on the day of the crash. Danny Oates was riding his bike to school to pick up his schedule when Woods drove right into him, killing him.

This week, an expert witness testified that being under the influence of those drugs while driving, could triple the chance of a driver being involved in a crash and could have a strong “empowering” effect on a person. Prosecutors claim that text messaging and being under the influence of 2 prescription drugs made it nearly impossible for Woods to stay on the road, thereby causing the crash. Defense attorneys claim that Woods had a seizure while driving and that was the cause of the accident.

Woods has pled not guilty to vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and driving under the influence and causing bodily harm. If he is convicted, he faces around 10 years in prison. Whether you live in Westminster, Lake Forest or Villa Park, if you are charged with DUI manslaughter, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.


If you want to know more about driving under the influence, DUI manslaughter, or your own charges, call Orange County criminal defense attorney William Weinberg @ 949.474.8008 in his Irvine office.