Man pleads guilty in DUI case

The drunk driver in a March 23 crash that killed his Huntington Beach passenger has pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. But friends and family of victim Michael Kazak are furious with what they call a weak sentence.

Robert Lee Hoover, 33, Huntington Beach, pleaded guilty to the charge in exchange for a sentence of four years in state prison, Deputy Dist. Atty. Robert Mestman said. With time off for good behavior, Hoover could be out of prison in two years.

It wasn’t a plea bargain with prosecutors, who wanted the maximum sentence of 10 years, Mestman added. While the actual sentencing is scheduled for July 7, where Kazak’s family will be allowed to speak, he said the recommended sentence wasn’t likely to change.

“I wanted a harsher sentence, and I wanted the judge to first hear from the victim’s family before giving any indicated sentence,� he said.

On the night of March 23, Hoover was driving his Mercedes-Benz at nearly 100 mph on Warner Avenue when he lost control and hit a tree with the passenger side of his car, according to prosecutors. Hoover had a .21 blood alcohol concentration, nearly 3 times the legal limit, Mestman said.

Family members stated they felt justice wasn’t being served by a sentence as short as four years.

“In two years Robert Hoover will be free, enjoying his family, new baby, celebrating holidays and special occasions, living his life,� Kazak’s sister, Michelle Kazak-Piechowski, wrote in a statement. “Michael’s family is left with only memories. Why bother having a law against drinking and driving if no material punishment comes of it?�

This corrects a previous version of this story.