WeHo News reports that 19-year-old Celine Mahdavi pleaded no-contest to hit-and-run charges stemming from a December 1, 2009 bicycle accident that seriously injured pro bicyclist Louis "Birdman" Deliz. The major injury collision occurred at the intersection of Holloway and La Cienega Boulevard in West Hollywood. Mahdavi fled the scene of the crash and was arrested just blocks away from the scene. Deliz spent nearly 50 days in the hospital and had sustained major injuries to his face, hands and hips. The accident put an end to his professional cycling career.

A "Light" Sentence

Mahdavi was sentenced last week by Judge Eldon Fox to one day in jail and was given credit for one day served. She was also place on formal probation for 36 months. Bicycle activists have pointed to this incident to show the lack of safety for bicyclists in Los Angeles. The outcome of this case has now outraged bicyclists who, in my opinion rightly believe that Mahdavi got away with just a slap on the wrist.

A sentence of one day in jail and credit for her arrest day seems extremely light to say the least. In no way does this sentence send a strong message that hit-and-run drivers will be punished for leaving the scene. When a hit-and-run car accident results in serious injuries, it is prosecuted as a felony offense. Either Mahdavi had an extremely skilled criminal defense lawyer, some type of influence in higher places or extremely extenuating circumstances, which for some reason, we have not yet heard about.

Wrong Message to Drivers

Judge Eldon Fox may have had his reasons for handing such a light sentence. But we do not know what those reasons were based on news reports. Can anyone tell us why this was an appropriate sentence? One day? This was a person who destroyed Louis "Birdman" Deliz's way of life, his career as a pro bicyclist! The catastrophic injuries Mahdavi inflicted on Deliz is grounds for a civil claim and not a criminal matter. However, the fact remains that she injured Deliz so badly and drove away in an attempt to get away from facing the consequences of her actions. This certainly warrants at least a month in jail rather than no additional jail time other than the day of her arrest.

Is this the message our justice system wants to send to drivers? Do we want to tell our drivers: If you seriously injure someone and leave the scene hoping not to get caught, your penalty, when apprehended, will be less than one day in jail. What about 200 hours of community service? What about matching the punishment to the crime?

If you have witnessed a hit-and-run collision and would like to pass on information anonymously, please visit our hit-and-run web site to find out how you can do so. The web site also has information about our reward program.

Would you contact law enforcement about a hit-and-run collision if you happened to witness one?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.