(San Fernando, Valley) Bailee Rios pleaded not guilty on September 24th on the killing of two and injuring five others including herself in Chatsworth, California.
Bailee Rios is currently charged for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs, speeding with two counts of second degree murder, one felony count that caused an injury as well as misdemeanor in reckless driving. She is scheduled to arrive back to court again on November 2nd for a preliminary hearing.
Legal Analysis on Bailee Rios Pleading Not Guilty
Because Rios pleaded not guilty, there may be a specific reason that might avoid her in becoming responsible for the fatal collision. For example, her legal team might provide medical documents of her medical conditions and strong evidence to prove that her conditions that resulted in the crash were out of her control.
The judge in charge of the case may review California Penal
Code 26 stating that everyone is capable of committing crimes EXCEPT:
- Children under 14 years-old showing no proof that when committing the crime, they knew it was unlawful
- A person who is mentally incapacitated
- Committing an act or omission under ignorance or mistake of a fact, disapproving any criminal intention.
- Person charged of committing an act charged without conscious
- Person who committed the act or made the omission that’s charged due to misfortune or on accident, while it appears that there are no evil design, intention, or culpable negligence
- Unless a person’s crime is punishable with death, if the person did an act or made the omission charged under threats or menaces sufficient, they can show that they had a reasonable cause to believe their lives would be in danger if they refused to perform the act.
It is likely that Rios pleaded not guilty or will due to insanity and under California Penal Code 25 (b), to plead not guilty due to insanity, the accused person must provide strong evidence that they were incapable of knowing or understanding their act and distinguishing right from wrong during the time of the incident.
Advice to the Family Affected
If you were affected by the fatal Metro bus collision in Chatsworth, California, it’s important to reach out to someone you can trust to discuss your well being and emotions during this difficult time. If you are planning to take legal steps, it’s best to contact an experienced attorney in vehicle crashes to help you in regard to the legal process and any questions you may have in filing a claim.
Have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident? call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
