A judge has refused to consolidate the cases of two men facing charges of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, holding both defendants would be harmed if a joint trial were to occur. Brooklyn Criminal Court Judge John Wilson (See Profile) denied the prosecution’s attempt to try the cases of Lucas Valentine and Bernard Galvez together.
A New York City police officer on Feb. 18 observed Galvez behind the wheel of a vehicle while Valentine stood outside. The officer also spotted a fire hydrant on the ground, along with damage to a parked car and a fence. Galvez said he was “not driving, just backing up” while Valentine said “I was the one driving, I just closed my eyes.” The men were both charged on Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs; Galvez faces additional charges such as fourth degree criminal mischief. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office pressed for consolidation, which was opposed by the defendants.
