News Summary
Las Vegas faces legal scrutiny as DUI cases linked to fatal crashes involving unborn children gain attention. Notable involves Daniel Stakleff, charged with causing death while under the influence, and Maximiliano Chavez, whose actions caused a pregnant woman’s unborn child to die. The cases raise concerns about state laws and the handling of DUI fatalities involving unborn persons, indicating a need for stricter policies.
Legal Challenges Emerge in DUI Cases Linked to Fatal Crashes Involving Unborn Children in Las Vegas
Las Vegas has become the center of legal scrutiny as two separate DUI cases linked to fatal crashes involving unborn children are gaining heightened attention. In the first case, Daniel Stakleff faces serious charges after allegedly driving under the influence and causing the death of 23-year-old Joree Odabi. His bail has seen a significant increase from $5,000 to $50,000 due to public outcry surrounding the incident.
Stakleff was scheduled for a court appearance on Wednesday morning but requested a continuance just 45 minutes before the hearing, prompting Judge Ron Israel to caution that he could face personal sanctions if he fails to appear again. The charges against Stakleff include felony counts of DUI resulting in death and reckless driving resulting in death or substantial bodily harm. Police reports indicate that he registered seven times the legal limit of THC in his system at the time of the crash, which occurred while Odabi was on a sidewalk. Stakleff is now set to return to court on Monday at 10 a.m., and his defense attorney is asking for a dismissal on the grounds of insufficient evidence. If the habeas corpus motion is granted, the charges could be reduced or dropped entirely.
In a separate but equally alarming case, 27-year-old Maximiliano Chavez is facing felony charges for DUI and reckless driving after causing the death of a pregnant woman’s unborn child. Chavez reportedly ran a red light and collided with the vehicle of the Dauz family as they were turning, resulting in the tragic incident. The mother, who was 29 weeks pregnant at the time, underwent an emergency cesarean section; however, despite efforts to resuscitate Baby Boy Dauz, he did not survive.
Chavez, who has a prior DUI conviction from 2021, tested positive for alcohol and THC shortly before the crash, with a blood alcohol content of .10 and .08. He was reportedly driving at 61 mph in a 55 mph zone just before the accident occurred. His bail is set at $250,000, which he has since posted, and he is scheduled to appear in court again on September 22 at 9:30 a.m.
The case involving Chavez has sparked discussions about the ambiguity of state law regarding DUI deaths that involve unborn children. According to District Attorney Steve Wolfson, this instance may be the first of its kind in Nevada, raising questions about how such incidents are prosecuted. Chavez faces several felony counts, including DUI resulting in death and substantial bodily harm. An arrest report details that Chavez failed field sobriety tests and showed signs of impairment at the crash scene. The incident also resulted in life-threatening injuries to other members of the Dauz family, including a 9-year-old boy.
These incidents reflect a growing concern in Nevada regarding DUI offenses, particularly those that lead to fatalities involving unborn children. Past cases where unborn children’s deaths were not distinctly charged underlines the need for clearer policies and potentially stricter DUI penalties. As the legal proceedings in both cases unfold, the outcomes may set new precedents for how similar DUI cases are handled in the future.
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Additional Resources
- News 3 LV
- Google Search: DUI crash Las Vegas
- Fox 5 Vegas
- Wikipedia: Driving under the influence
- KTNV
- Google Scholar: DUI fatalities
- Review Journal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: vehicular homicide
- Fox 5 Vegas Video
- Google News: Las Vegas DUI crash
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
