San Francisco, CA – San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that her office secured a conviction of Marcelo Lorenzo-Matias (25)), of Oakland, after a trial by jury for driving under the influence. Mr. Lorenzo-Matias was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol (VC 23152(a)), driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or greater (VC 23152(b) and driving without a valid driver’s license (VC 12500(a)).
“The jury’s verdict sends a powerful reminder that driving under the influence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by San Franciscans,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “We have zero tolerance for this behavior. If you choose to drink, plan to not drive afterwards. Getting behind the wheel while under the influence is unlawful and there will be consequences.”
According to testimony and other evidence presented at trial, on February 16, 2023, California Highway Patrol Officers traveling in a marked patrol car southbound on US-101 north of Cesar Chavez observed a black vehicle weaving within a lane of traffic. Officers conducted a traffic stop after observing more drifting and weaving within the lane. Upon the stop, officers noticed signs of impairment and smelled a strong odor of alcohol which led them to conduct field sobriety tests. A breath alcohol measuring device revealed at the scene registered that Mr. Lorenzo-Matias had a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit of 0.08%. Mr. Lorenzo-Matias was also found to be driving without a valid driver’s license at the time.
The case against Mr. Lorenzo-Matias was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Amine Zreik, with assistance from paralegals Joshua Nickchen and Andres Hernandez Ruano, and IT support from Ada Yu and Noaeh Pinaire.
“I would like to thank the jury for upholding the law and holding others accountable for driving under the influence,” said Assistant District Attorney Amine Zreik. “The people of this city will not tolerate such conduct, as drunk driving endangers public safety.”
Mr. Lorenzo-Matias is currently out of custody. He faces a term of probation or up to one year in in county jail for his crimes. Sentencing is scheduled for March 26, 2024.
Court Number: 23002479
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