Mario Saul Osorio Jr., a 23-year-old man, is facing a slew of felony charges after a hit-and-run DUI crash with a toddler in his car, according to the Anaheim Police Department.
Osorio Jr. crashed a Honda Accord at about 6 p.m. on Monday into several parked cars near Anaheim Boulevard and South Street, which was near his residence, according to the Anaheim Police.
Osorio did not stay at the scene. Instead his vehicle continued on its way, with witnesses following him. The police caught up with him a short distance later, according to the Anaheim Police.
The boy in the backseat will turn 2-years-old in October. He came away from the incident with a minor injury. The boy did not end up needing hospital care. He was released to his mother.
Osorio was not released. He pleaded not guilty Wednesday in the jail courtroom in Santa Ana to felony charges including child abuse and endangerment, misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a blood-alcohol content of .08% or more and hit-and-run with property damage as well as an infraction for driving without a valid license.
Osorio is due in court for a pretrial hearing that begins on Aug. 14, at the North Justice Center in Fullerton.
Osorio is accused of driving with a blood-alcohol content of .20, which is well over the legal limit of .08, according to the criminal complaint.
Osorio Jr. faces multiple charges in California, each carrying its own set of penalties. Here’s a breakdown of what he could be facing:
1. DUI with a Blood Alcohol Content of 0.20%
Under California Vehicle Code 23538(b)(2), a BAC of 0.20% is considered an aggravated DUI, which leads to enhanced penalties:
- Jail time: 120 days to 1 year in county jail
- Fines: Minimum $390, but with penalty assessments, it can exceed $2,000
- License suspension: Minimum of 1 year
- Probation: 3 to 5 years of formal probation
- Alcohol education: Mandatory completion of a licensed alcohol and drug education program
- Ignition interlock device: Required for up to 1 year after license reinstatement
2. Child Abuse and Endangerment (Felony)
Felony child endangerment in California can result in:
- State prison: Up to 6 years if the child was placed in a situation likely to cause great bodily harm
- Probation: Possible, but often with strict conditions including parenting classes and substance abuse treatment
- Permanent record: A felony conviction can have long-term consequences for employment and custody rights
3. Hit-and-Run with Property Damage (Misdemeanor)
Under California Vehicle Code §20002, leaving the scene of an accident that caused only property damage is a misdemeanor:
- Jail time: Up to 6 months in county jail
- Fines: Up to $1,000
- Probation: Summary probation for up to 3 years
- Driving record: 2 points added to DMV record
4. Driving Without a Valid License (Infraction)
Driving without a valid license is typically charged under VC §12500:
- Fines: Usually around $250 for a first offense
- Possible jail time: Up to 6 months if charged as a misdemeanor (depends on circumstances)
5. DUI with BAC of 0.08% or More (Misdemeanor)
This is a standard DUI charge, but in Osorio’s case, it’s overshadowed by the aggravated DUI. Still, it carries:
- Jail time: Up to 6 months
- Fines: $390 to $1,000 plus assessments
- License suspension: 6 months to 1 year
- DUI school: 3 to 9 months
Combined Impact
Because these charges are being prosecuted together, the court may stack sentences or offer a plea deal. Aggravating factors—like the presence of a child and fleeing the scene—make leniency less likely.
Impact on Osorio Jr.’s Auto Insurance:
A DUI conviction—especially one involving a high BAC and felony charges like child endangerment—can have severe and long-lasting impacts on Mario Saul Osorio Jr.’s auto insurance in California:
1. Massive Rate Increases
- A DUI can cause insurance premiums to increase by up to 148%.
- Repeat offenses or aggravating factors (like a child in the car) may lead to doubling or tripling of rates.
- For example, post-DUI annual premiums can range from $2,750 to over $3,500, depending on the insurer.
2. High-Risk Driver Classification
- Insurance companies will classify Osorio as a high-risk driver, which affects both cost and availability of coverage.
- He may lose eligibility for standard policies and good driver discounts.
3. Policy Cancellation or Non-Renewal
- While California law prohibits insurers from canceling policies mid-term due to a DUI, they can refuse to renew or offer renewal only at much higher rates.
4. SR-22 Requirement
- To reinstate his license, Osorio will likely need to file an SR-22, which is proof of financial responsibility.
- SR-22 policies are typically more expensive and must be maintained for three years.
5. Long-Term Consequences
- A DUI stays on the California DMV record for 10 years, affecting insurance premiums for that entire period.
- Even if the criminal record is expunged, the driving record remains unchanged for insurance purposes.
6. Limited Insurance Options
- If standard insurers decline coverage, Osorio may need to use the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP), which connects high-risk drivers with insurers willing to cover them.