The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals has upheld a 15-year prison sentence for Nayomi Garced Figueroa after a serious DUI accident that resulted in severe injuries to another individual. The court's ruling, issued on June 5, 2026, confirms the lower court's decision from December 2025, which found Garced Figueroa guilty of multiple violations of the Puerto Rico Vehicle and Traffic Law.
This case is significant as it highlights the legal consequences of driving under the influence and the strict penalties associated with such offenses in Puerto Rico. The decision affects not only Garced Figueroa but also serves as a warning to others about the dangers of impaired driving.
Background
The case began on September 18, 2022, when the Public Ministry filed five charges against Nayomi Garced Figueroa. The charges stemmed from an incident in which she allegedly drove a 2019 blue KIA RIO recklessly and under the influence of alcohol, leading to a crash that severely injured her passenger, Suheil Alvarez Ruiz. The accident occurred on a public road in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where Garced Figueroa was reportedly driving at excessive speeds while intoxicated, with a blood alcohol content of .134%.
After a series of procedural incidents, a jury trial was held, and the jury found Garced Figueroa guilty. On December 11, 2025, the lower court sentenced her to 15 years in prison, along with fines and a suspension of her driving license for five years. Garced Figueroa appealed the decision on January 15, 2026, citing several errors made by the lower court during the trial.
The Ruling
The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Álvarez Esnard and joined by Judges Lebrón Nieves and Pagán Ocasio, ultimately confirmed the lower court's ruling. The court stated, "We confirm the dictamen appealed," affirming the sentence imposed on Garced Figueroa. The court emphasized that the lower court had acted within its rights in denying Garced Figueroa's motions and that the evidence presented at trial was sufficient to support the jury's verdict.
In its opinion, the court noted that Garced Figueroa had failed to provide a proper method for reproducing the oral evidence from the trial, which limited the appellate court's ability to review her claims effectively. The court highlighted that the burden of proof lies with the state to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and the jury's findings were supported by the evidence presented during the trial.
Impact
This ruling reinforces the strict penalties associated with DUI offenses in Puerto Rico, particularly when they result in severe injury or death. The case serves as a critical reminder of the legal responsibilities of drivers and the serious consequences of impaired driving. It also underscores the importance of adhering to legal procedures during appeals, as failure to do so can significantly impact the outcome of a case.
Going forward, this decision may influence how similar cases are handled in the future, potentially leading to stricter enforcement of DUI laws and increased public awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence.
What's Next
Garced Figueroa's options for further appeal are limited, as the Court of Appeals has confirmed the lower court's ruling. Details regarding any potential further legal actions or related cases were not available in the court filing.