SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — A man appearing for arraignment Nov. 10 in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court appeared surprised when a prosecutor informed him of an additional charge involving driving under the influence of drugs.
The accused was initially facing charges of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15% or higher and possession of drug paraphernalia.
During the arraignment before Judge Erin M. Childs in Department 7, Deputy District Attorney Amy Fitzpatrick informed the accused that an additional charge of driving under the influence of drugs was still being processed.
The accused appeared visibly confused and caught off guard, indicating that he had not been aware of the additional allegation.
The exchange occurred after the accused asked whether he could review the police report with Deputy Public Defender Neal Gerhardt before deciding whether to retain a private attorney or seek representation from a public defender.
The accused explained that he did not have sufficient money of his own to hire an attorney but had family and friends who might be able to help him.
“I can borrow money and I have plenty of support but as far as a bunch of money of mine to give an attorney, I don’t have that,” the accused said.
According to court records reviewed by Court Watch, the accused has at least one prior DUI conviction.
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