BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 A petition that has received thousands of signatures calling for stiffer sentences for convicted DUI drivers is circulating again after the death of an 8-year-old boy last week in East Bakersfield.<\/p>\n
The Change.org petition was started by law firm Chain, Cohn Clark, eight months ago following the deaths of a Bakersfield couple in March. The couple \u2014 Max and Desiree Mooney<\/a> \u2014 were heading home in a ride-booking service when the vehicle they were traveling in was struck by an alleged DUI driver.<\/p>\n Hundreds attend funeral for couple killed in alleged DUI crash <\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThis is not an isolated incident,\u201d the petition reads. As of Monday afternoon the petition has more than 8,700 signers.<\/p>\n Months later, the petition is gaining more signatures following the death of 8-year-old Xxavien Hernandez by an alleged DUI driver near East California Avenue and Haley Street on Nov. 3. Hernandez was eating a meal with his father at a food truck when the driver of a pickup truck crashed through a fence and struck Hernandez and his father.<\/p>\n In September, a 6-year-old girl<\/a> died of her injuries following a crash involving a suspected DUI driver<\/a> on East Panama Lane.<\/p>\n The petition is calling for stronger first-time DUI sentences which would require changes to current law. \u201cWe demand stronger state-level efforts to ensure stricter sentencing for first-time DUI offenses, not just higher fines, but real deterrents that make people think before they drink and drive, and prevent repeat offenses,\u201d the petition text reads.<\/p>\n Watch 17 News, After Sunrise and more local news free on your smart TV. Click to learn more about KGET+ <\/a><\/p>\n Some of the changes the petition calls for includes mandatory minimum sentences for first-time DUI offenders, stricter license suspensions and alcohol monitoring for those convicted.<\/p>\n You can read the petition at this link.<\/a><\/p>\n Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n