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A Tahoe City lawyer on his way to court in Nevada City was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of drunken driving after he rolled his van on Highway 20.
CHP Officer Jim Donovan said James Michael Hufford, 56, was westbound at 8:15 a.m. when he lost control of his 2003 Toyota van. The vehicle went off the right side of the road, veered back into the oncoming lane and then skidded sideways, Donovan said.
The van then slammed into a clump of cedar trees on the Bear Valley straight-away just below Interstate 80 in eastern Nevada County.
The CHP officer confiscated a half-full, 750 milliliter bottle of Christian Brothers Brandy from the wrecked vehicle.
Hufford was taken to Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee with a broken collarbone, Donovan said. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after a blood test was taken at the hospital; then he was released so he could be treated for his injuries.
Asked about the drunken driving charge, Hufford said: "I have an attorney and no comment. I'm recuperating, and I don't care to make a statement."
Donovan said Hufford told him he was on his way to the Nevada County Court on a civil matter, which Hufford confirmed over the telephone.
According to a Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce newsletter from February 2004, Hufford had recently moved to the area. It said he had practiced law for 25 years at that point, specializing in business and real estate.
To contact senior staff writer Dave Moller, e-mail davem@theunion.com or call 477-4237.
CHP Officer Jim Donovan said James Michael Hufford, 56, was westbound at 8:15 a.m. when he lost control of his 2003 Toyota van. The vehicle went off the right side of the road, veered back into the oncoming lane and then skidded sideways, Donovan said.
The van then slammed into a clump of cedar trees on the Bear Valley straight-away just below Interstate 80 in eastern Nevada County.
The CHP officer confiscated a half-full, 750 milliliter bottle of Christian Brothers Brandy from the wrecked vehicle.
Hufford was taken to Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee with a broken collarbone, Donovan said. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after a blood test was taken at the hospital; then he was released so he could be treated for his injuries.
Asked about the drunken driving charge, Hufford said: "I have an attorney and no comment. I'm recuperating, and I don't care to make a statement."
Donovan said Hufford told him he was on his way to the Nevada County Court on a civil matter, which Hufford confirmed over the telephone.
According to a Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce newsletter from February 2004, Hufford had recently moved to the area. It said he had practiced law for 25 years at that point, specializing in business and real estate.
To contact senior staff writer Dave Moller, e-mail davem@theunion.com or call 477-4237.
