California Doctor Who Operated on Kanye West's Mom Pleads Not Guilty to DUI
Beverly Hills, California was abuzz last week with yet another drunk driving scandal. This time it wasn't celebutante Paris Hilton or pop princess Britney Spears who was charged with DUI, but celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Jan Adams. Dr. Adams reportedly operated on rapper Kanye West's mother, Donda West, the day before she died last November. The LA County Coroner's office did not discover any surgical errors that may have caused West's death. However, Adams was already under investigation by the California Medical Board, which was considering revoking the doctor's medical license.
Last week also marked the last week for California's drug and alcohol diversion program for doctors. After being called ineffective (even by the California Medical Board, which operated the program), the program quietly closed its doors after 27 years. If Adams is any indication, then ineffective may be an understatement.
Adams pleaded no contest to a DUI charge in 2003, then had his driver's license suspended after a 2006 DUI conviction. The California surgeon's license was still suspended when he was arrested on the morning of Thursday, June 26. Police officers found Adams' Jaguar XK8 traveling in the wrong direction on the Lake Herman Road offramp on Interstate 680 near Cordelia. After a field sobriety test, Adams was arrested and taken to Solano County Jail in Fairfield. He was found to have a blood alcohol level of .20 percent - almost three times the presumptive level for intoxication under California law.
The Harvard-educated surgeon and frequent TV show guest pleaded not guilty to all charges. Barbara James, Solano County Superior Court Commissioner accepted the plea and set a trial calling for 9 a.m. on Friday, July 18.
If you're facing charges for DUI or DWI, then contact an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorneys. Victor A. Orsatti will review your case for free if you have been arrested and charged with drunk driving in San Diego. Your freedom is important, so we look forward to working with you.
Drug program for doctors closes, The Sacramento Bee, July 6, 2008
Celebrity surgeon pleads not guilty, The Reporter, July 1, 2008
