What is Your Verdict: Should This Driver Be Convicted of DUI?

Case Title: State of California vs. Jordan Reyes

In this court case, you must decide whether Jordan Reyes is guilty of DUI under California law (California Vehicle Code §23152).

What is Your Verdict?

The Incident

It was a warm Saturday evening in Pacific Beach, San Diego. A house party hosted by friends brought together couples, friends, and coworkers. Among the guests were Jordan Reyes and his partner, Emily Tran, both in their late 20s.

According to witness statements, alcohol was freely available and consumed by most attendees. Jordan and Emily each had a couple of drinks — witnesses described Jordan as “buzzed but coherent.” Around 10:45 PM, Emily began complaining of severe abdominal pain and dizziness. By 11:15 PM, she collapsed in the backyard, pale, vomiting, and struggling to remain conscious.

Panic set in. One friend attempted to call an Uber, but no driver accepted the ride quickly. Another guest offered to drive but admitted they were more intoxicated than Jordan. Ultimately, Jordan decided to drive Emily to the ER, stating, “I’m not drunk, and she needs help now.”

The Arrest

At approximately 11:40 PM, while speeding along Ingraham Street en route to Scripps Mercy Hospital, Jordan was pulled over for running a red light. According to Officer Morales, who initiated the stop, Jordan appeared “nervous and smelled of alcohol.” A field sobriety test was administered, followed by a breathalyzer. Jordan’s BAC registered at 0.09%, just over the legal limit of 0.08%.

Despite Jordan’s explanation of the medical emergency, Officer Morales arrested Jordan for DUI and called an ambulance for Emily, who was semi-conscious in the passenger seat. She was later diagnosed with acute appendicitis and underwent emergency surgery.

The Legal Debate

Prosecution’s Argument:

The prosecutor maintains that DUI laws exist to protect everyone on the road, regardless of the driver’s intentions.

“Jordan Reyes chose to drive impaired. It is unfortunate that their partner was ill, but that does not excuse putting other drivers and pedestrians at risk. They could have waited for emergency services.”

The prosecution emphasized that emergency services were not consulted, and there was no proof that a sober ride was impossible.

Defense’s Argument:

The defense claims this was a case of necessity — a rare legal defense in DUI cases.

“This was a life-threatening situation. Emily needed to get to the hospital immediately. Jordan made a judgment call, believing it was safer for Emily to be transported quickly than to wait for an ambulance or hope an Uber arrived in time. This wasn’t reckless — it was desperate.”

A doctor testified that the delay in treatment could have led to a ruptured appendix, a potentially fatal condition. Another guest testified that they had tried to call 911, but call wait times were unusually high.

Your Instructions

You must decide whether Jordan Reyes is guilty of DUI under California law.

To convict, you must find that:

• Jordan drove a vehicle, and
• Jordan’s BAC was 0.08% or higher at the time of driving.

However, if you believe that Jordan was legally justified due to a medical emergency under the necessity defense, you must find Jordan not guilty.

Was Jordan Reyes guilty of DUI? Or did the medical emergency justify their actions?

What’s your verdict?

Use the comment field to enter your verdict.

✅ Guilty – The law is the law. Even in emergencies, DUI cannot be excused.

❌ Not Guilty – The emergency justified breaking the law to save a life.

Photo Credits:

• Woman with law book – Mikhail-Nilov / Pexels
• Wine Glasses on Tray – Salo Al / Pexels
• Judge at her desk – Katrin Bolovtsova / Pexels

Read more about Alcohol:

• Alcohol is a depressant
• Judgment is the first to go