DUI case against San Joaquin County Supervisor Tom Patti set to be tried by jury in March

STOCKTON — San Joaquin County Supervisor Tom Patti will finally get his day in court to defend himself, two years and eight months after he was involved in a vehicle crash on Interstate 5 that resulted in the California Attorney General’s Office charging him with suspicion of misdemeanor driving under the influence of a drug.

During a brief hearing Tuesday, San Joaquin County Superior Court Commissioner Michael Rasmussen set 8:15 a.m. March 19 in Department 8D as the time and place for the start of what could possibly be a four-day jury trial. Patti’s appearance was not required at the hearing, and he was not present.

The case stems from a July 25, 2018, three-vehicle non-injury accident on northbound I-5 south of Lathrop Road.

According to the California Highway Patrol report, Patti was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe when he allegedly collided into the rear of a 1996 Oldsmobile, pushing the Oldsmobile into the rear of a 2011 Toyota Prius.

“The investigating officer observed objective signs and symptoms of intoxication from Patti, the driver of the Chevrolet Tahoe,” the CHP said in a report. “A DUI investigation was conducted at the scene, and it was determined Patti was under the influence.”

Patti was booked into San Joaquin County Jail for allegedly violating California Vehicle Code 23152 (f) VC, which says, “It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any drug to drive a vehicle.” A CHP spokesman said a toxicology test was being conducted to determine the cause of Patti’s DUI.

In his defense, Patti has said he accidentally took the wrong prescription drug before he got behind the wheel. In March, Patti said he turned down the opportunity to accept a reckless driving plea and looks forward to going to trial.