Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 12/04/06

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine Cook Deputy District Attorney Michael C. Li

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

JURY CONVICTS DEFENDANT OF DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
AND RESISTING ARREST

On December 1, 2006, a Sonoma County jury convicted Luke Nichols for driving under the influence of alcohol and resisting arrest. In addition, the jury found that Nichols willfully refused to take a chemical test as required by California law. Nichols admitted that he had been convicted of two prior alcohol-related driving incidents within the last 10 years, making this his third DUI conviction.

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua noted that individuals should be mindful, particularly during the holiday season, that drinking and driving not only subjects a person to arrest and vigorous prosecution but, more importantly, places all citizens on the roadway in danger.

The conviction stems from an arrest April 30, 2006 on Highway 116 near Forestville. The defendant faces a maximum sentence of two years in County Jail for the misdemeanor convictions. He remains in custody and awaits sentencing, which is set for December 20, 2006.

Deputy District Attorney Michael Li is the assigned trial prosecutor. Officers Brian Wood and Greg Bucholz of the California Highway Patrol and District Attorney Legal Assistant Elaine Nickison assisted in the prosecution.