Bench warrant remains for defendant in DUI case that caused serious injuries

Further proceedings set for June

In July of 2021 — a four-vehicle collision in Clearlake Oaks that sent several people to the hospital left a Pacifica man to face numerous DUI charges.

A recall warrant/preliminary hearing remains on the calendar for Jan. 31, 2023.

Further proceedings and a summary judgement matter has been set for June.

A summary judgement is a decision made based on statements and evidence without going to trial. It is a final decision made by a judge and is designed to resolve the matter without a full trial.

Last month, Stephen Robert Williams, 39, was not present for a recent preliminary hearing.

Defense Counsel, Jonathan B Steele informed the Court that the defendant contacted him the day prior to the hearing to inform him that he is having medical issues.

The matter was trailed to see if defense counsel had medical records.

When the matter was recalled, defense counsel stated he did not have medical records and he has not been able to have contact with the defendant,

The Court found no good cause for the defendant's non-appearance. The Court ordered the issuance of a Bench Warrant — Failure to Appear with bail set in the amount of $70,000.

Last year the defendant was not present at a recent hearing while his attorney, Jonathan B. Steele, was present by remote appearance through California Penal Code 977. This Penal Code allows an attorney to appear on the client's behalf without the defendant/client present.

During the hearing there was a discussion as to the subpoenaed records that should have been received. There was also concern to the necessity of having these documents for the preliminary hearing.

Deputy District Attorney Rachel Abelson stated that she will look in to the matter of the records as Defense Attorney Steele requested the matter be continued in order to allow for the subpoenaed record issue to be resolved.

The Court, pursuant to the request of the defendant, ordered this matter be continued.

During a hearing in September of last year there was a stipulation to continue the preliminary hearing due to both counsel missing information on some alleged victims.

The matter had been continued at that time as well.

The parties stipulated that the subpoenaed medical records in the clerk's file may be released to Abelson for copying and then returned to the clerk's file. There was no chain of custody objections.

In April the defendant was present by remote appearance and not in custody at the Lake County Superior Court for a recall of his warrant.

In February the defendant was not present as his retained defense attorney, Jonathan B. Steele, stated his client was still having medical issues from the vehicle accident and requested the matter be continued.

There was a felony warrant issued for the defendant on Feb. 15, 2022 and he requested the warrant be cleared.

The Court did not make any orders at that time but the Court did recall the arrest warrant.

The Court left the bail as set in order for the following conditions to be imposed:

• Will not drive a motor vehicle unless validly licensed and insured

• Obey all laws

• Will not possess or have under his control any alcoholic beverage and will not enter any public place where the primary item sold or dispensed is an alcoholic beverage. The defendant will abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages.

The defendant has been charged with seven counts of DUI — Alcohol while causing injury and three counts of driving under the influence of alcohol.

The charges stem from an incident in July of 2021 when Williams was driving west on Highway 20 near Sulphur Bank Drive at an alleged high rate of speed when he collided with the vehicle in front of him.

According to CHP, both vehicles crossed over into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with other vehicles.

As a result of the collision, the defendant suffered major injuries and was flown to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Clear Lake CHP officers observed symptoms and an indication of alcohol intoxication and was arrested.

Three other people were flown to UC Davis Medical Center, one with serious injuries, and three others suffered minor injuries.

In another matter, Williams has been charged with hit and run with property damage.

The defendant's warrant remains active.