Policy Text
Roll Call Training Bulletin
Produced by: Detective Timothy Davis II, MCIU Kathy Lester , Chief of Police
Prepared by : Officer Mark Kimble, PSU Volume 25-12
Watson Admonishment (SPD 807)
08-07-2025
Background
In People v. Watson (1981), the California Supreme Court held that second degree murder may be charged when the facts surrounding a vehicular homicide support a finding of implied malice.
In 2006, California Vehicle Code § 23593 was enacted, requiring courts to read an admonition to all subjects convicted of driving under the influence:
23593. (a) The court shall advise a person convicted of a violation of Section 23103, as specified in
Section 23103.5, or a violation of Section 23152 or 23153, as follows:
“You are hereby advised that being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or both, impairs your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Therefore, it is extremely dangerous to human life to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or both. If you continue to drive while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs, or both, and, because of that driving, someone is killed, you can be
charged with murder.”
Application
To further establish intent in vehicular homicide cases, officers are required to read the Watson
Admonishment verbatim to all subjects arrested for DUI.
The SPD 807, DUI Arrest Admonishment Form (pictured below) , shall be included in each DUI arrest
packet. The document is now available at all stations and on AMS. SPD G eneral Order 537.01
(Driving Under the Influence Procedures ), has been amended to include the Watson Admonishment:
A. I. WATSON ADMONISHMENT
1. In all DUI cases, officers shall:
a. Read the DUI Arrest Admonishment (SPD 807) to the arrestee driver.
b. Record admonishment reading on body -worn camera or in- car camera.
c. Attempt to have arrestee sign the admonishment form.
d. Provide arrestee with a completed copy of the form.
Roll Call Training Bulletin
Produced by: Detective Timothy Davis II, MCIU Kathy Lester , Chief of Police
Prepared by: Officer Mark Kimble, PSU Volume 25-12