P. v. Pate CA2/8
In this tragic case, appellant Bradford Pate collided with two vehicles as he drove intoxicated on the wrong way of a highway in the early morning hours. He killed two passengers and seriously injured another. He pled no contest to six counts, including two counts of murder, and was sentenced to a term of 23 years to life. The only issue in this appeal is whether the trial court properly ordered appellant to pay $37,905 for the costs of towing and impounding his vehicle pursuant to Vehicle Code section 22655.5, subdivision (d). We conclude the award was an abuse of discretion. We will vacate it and remand for a new hearing.
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