News Summary
Lotfullah Sohaib Latif, a 33-year-old attorney from Irvine, has been convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated following a deadly crash on the 22 Freeway. The incident, which resulted in the death of a semi-truck driver, highlights the severe consequences of drunk driving. Latif faces up to ten years in state prison, with sentencing set for January 2026. This case underscores the ongoing challenges of preventing drunk driving and the importance of increased community awareness and advocacy for stricter measures against impaired driving.
Irvine, California — Lotfullah Sohaib Latif, a 33-year-old attorney from Irvine, has been convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in connection with a deadly crash that occurred on the 22 Freeway on June 9, 2019. The conviction comes as a significant reminder of the severe consequences associated with drunk driving.
Latif was found guilty of several charges including:
- One felony count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
- One felony count of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury.
- One felony count of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or more causing injury.
- Three felony enhancements for inflicting great bodily injury.
Following the conviction, Latif faces a maximum sentence of ten years in state prison, with sentencing scheduled for January 9, 2026.
The incident that led to Latif’s conviction occurred at approximately 3:55 a.m. on the day of the crash. Multiple calls were made to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reporting a gray Honda Accord obstructing freeway lanes, which prompted police response. Shortly thereafter, dispatchers received alarming reports of a semi-truck colliding with the Honda, igniting it in flames. The semi-truck driver, identified as Carlos Alberto Lara, aged 58, was pronounced dead at the scene.
When CHP officers arrived, they found Latif on the right shoulder of the freeway, where he denied consuming alcohol or being involved in the crash. However, officers discovered evidence suggesting his participation in the incident, including his license plate located near a broken guardrail and a noticeable smell of alcohol on his breath. Further investigation revealed that the Event Data Recorder of the Honda captured it traveling at speeds of 89 miles per hour just prior to the collision with the guardrail.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer highlighted the preventable nature of drunk driving accidents, noting that on average, 34 people perish every day in theUnited States due to incidents involving drunk driving. This conviction serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving.
Latif’s conviction in July 2023 sheds light on the persistent issues surrounding drunk driving and its catastrophic consequences. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Justin Kim from the TARGET/Gangs/HIT unit, underscoring the ongoing commitment of law enforcement and legal authorities to hold accountable those who engage in such reckless behavior.
The community response to the conviction reflects a growing awareness and concern regarding drunk driving. As more incidents are reported, citizens increasingly advocate for stricter measures to deter such behavior, highlighting the urgent need for both education and enforcement in efforts to reduce the frequency of these tragedies.
In summary, the sentencing of Lotfullah Sohaib Latif serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of drunk driving, reinforcing the need for continued awareness and prevention strategies to safeguard lives on the road.
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Additional Resources
- News Santa Ana
- Wikipedia: Drunk Driving
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: DUI Accidents
- Orange County Register
- Google Scholar: Drunk Driving Crash
- KTLA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- MyNewsLA
- Google News: Drunk Driving Laws
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The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
