Judge Raises Bail for DUI Driver Charged with Death

Categories: Breaking NewsCrimeGovernment NewsNews

A gavel symbolizing the judicial system in a courtroom setting.

News Summary

A local judge in Las Vegas has raised the bail for Daniel Stakleff, charged with DUI resulting in death after a fatal crash that killed 23-year-old Joree Odabi. The bail was increased from $5,000 to $50,000 following family outcry, citing the previous amount as insufficient. Toxicology tests revealed Stakleff’s THC levels exceeded the legal limit. His actions post-accident have raised concerns. Odabi’s family continues advocating for stricter DUI penalties, navigating complex discussions around judicial fairness and community safety.

Las Vegas – A local judge has significantly raised the bail for Daniel Stakleff, a 38-year-old man charged with DUI resulting in death and reckless driving in connection with a fatal crash that occurred on May 6, 2023. Judge Joe Bonaventure increased the bail amount from $5,000 to $50,000 following an outcry from the family of the victim, 23-year-old Joree Odabi.

The decision to raise the bail came after a two-month delay during which the family of Odabi expressed their dissatisfaction with the initial bail amount, citing it as insufficient given the circumstances surrounding the case. Stakleff was arrested after being involved in a crash that resulted in Odabi being struck while she was walking on the sidewalk. Reports indicated that toxicology tests revealed THC levels in Stakleff’s system that were over seven times the legal limit at the time of the incident.

Additionally, upon investigation, police found marijuana vape pens in Stakleff’s vehicle. Following the accident, he was seen trying to conceal receipts for marijuana products in nearby landscaping, raising further concerns about his actions post-crash. The judge later clarified that the original bail setting of $5,000 was a clerical error and stated he had misspoken during earlier proceedings.

Despite the increase, Odabi’s family views the $50,000 bail as grossly inadequate given the nature of the charges. They have been vocal about their dissatisfaction, demanding an apology from the judge over what they perceive as a lack of seriousness regarding DUI offenses. Natia Stanley, Odabi’s sister, has criticized the judicial process, questioning the time taken to correct the bail amount and suggesting that the change may have been influenced by pressure from the victim’s family. This situation has also ignited discussions about the fairness of bail amounts and possible racial disparities within the judicial system.

Stakleff’s attorney, Chip Siegel, argued that his client has no prior criminal history and reinforced that bail should not be considered as a form of punishment. Stakleff was not present at the bail hearing, as his attendance was not mandatory. The judge scheduled a preliminary hearing for Stakleff on August 4, where he must post the new bail amount in order to be released.

Odabi’s family continues to advocate for justice and is pushing for reforms regarding DUI penalties to prevent future tragedies. They are calling on the legal system to take a stronger stance against DUI offenses, reflecting a broader sentiment among various advocates who believe that stricter measures are necessary to deter such dangerous behavior.

The outcome of the upcoming preliminary hearing is anticipated to be closely monitored by the community, particularly in light of the sensitive issues surrounding the case and the implications it has on public safety and judicial fairness. As the case unfolds, it remains a critical point of discussion within Las Vegas and beyond.