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People v. Dawson
California Court of Appeal
172 Cal. App. 4th 1073, 91 Cal. Rptr. 3d 841 (2009)
- Written by Arlyn Katen, JD
Facts
William Dawson (defendant) and Mark Spier were boating while drunk. As Dawson put the boat in reverse, Spier jumped off the back of the boat, struck the propeller, and died instantly. Dawson was charged with five crimes, including felony vessel manslaughter while intoxicated and felony unlawful operation of a vessel while intoxicated. After a preliminary hearing, a magistrate dismissed Dawson’s felony charges, finding that Dawson did not cause Spier’s death because Spier chose to jump off the boat while Dawson operated it. The government (plaintiff) appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Richman, J.)
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