San Diego / California DUI criminal defense lawyer news

A man with a history of DUI / DWI / Drunk Driving / driving under the influence is facing new DUI / drunken driving charges Sunday after crashing head-on with a minivan in Lake Forest, critically injuring a toddler.

Nelson Guaderrama Mercado, 27, was arrested on suspicion of California DUI driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol late Friday, said Orange County sheriff's Lt. Dan Dwyer.

He was denied bail and remains locked up pending California DUI arraignment, according to the sheriff's Web site.

In June, Mercado pleaded guilty to misdemeanor California DUI driving under the influence of alcohol and falsely representing himself to an officer, the Orange County Register reported.

The wreck occurred on Muirlands Boulevard near Entrados Drive.

Mercado was southbound in a 2002 Chevrolet pickup when he veered into the northbound lanes and struck a 1996 Ford minivan, which was carrying a family of five, California DUI authorities say.

The driver of the van, a 34-year-old woman, suffered a broken left arm and head injuries and was temporarily trapped in the California DUI wreckage, he said.

Her 5-year-old grandson, hospitalized in critical condition, suffered a fractured skull and two broken legs, he said.

A 19-year-old woman believed to be the mother of the boy, her 3-year-old child and two boys, 13 and 14, suffered lesser injuries, Dwyer said. Their names were withheld.