A man from Northern California has received a three-year prison sentence after he was found unconscious behind the wheel in a drive-thru line at In-N-Out Burger.
Carlos Alvarez, 33, hailing from Salinas, was apprehended in June 2025 for driving under the influence.
A security guard at the In-N-Out on Kern Street reported a possible drunk driver who had fallen asleep while waiting for food.
Upon the arrival of law enforcement, they detected strong odors of urine, vomit, and alcohol coming from the vehicle.
Due to his previous convictions, Alvarez was arrested for felony DUI.
This incident marks his seventh DUI conviction and his fourth felony conviction related to DUI offenses in the last decade.
Details regarding any sentences he received for past felonies or whether he spent time in prison for prior DUI offenses remain unclear.
The case involved multiple agencies, including the Monterey County District Attorney’s Vertical DUI Prosecution Division and the California Highway Patrol.
In January, this unit secured nearly $800,000 in grants for each county to bolster special prosecutor teams dealing with impaired driving cases.
“We appreciate this grant, which enables us to focus on holding impaired drivers accountable and enhancing road safety,” remarked Monterey County District Attorney Janine M. Pacioni.
She emphasized that impaired driving, especially with individuals suspected of mixing alcohol and drugs, poses a significant threat on our streets.
“This funding reinforces our dedication to improving road safety and ensuring that justice is served effectively,” she added.
Requests for further comments and details have been sent to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.
