Shasta County DA Vacates Lisa Jensen’s DUI Causing Injury Conviction After Appellate Ruling — Reckless Driving Count Remains
- Rex Ballard
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Shasta County prosecutors have moved to vacate the driving under the influence causing injury conviction against local criminal defense attorney Lisa Marie Jensen following a May 2026 appellate court ruling on how certain electric vehicles are classified under California law. The reckless driving causing injury conviction stands, and Jensen is scheduled to return to court August 7 for further sentencing proceedings.
Background on the Case - The case stems from a November 17, 2023 incident on Placer Street in Redding. Jensen, riding an electric scooter downhill on a sidewalk where such use is prohibited, struck elderly pedestrian Calvin Johanessen from behind while under the influence of alcohol. Both suffered serious injuries. Investigators reported a blood alcohol level of 0.05%. This was Jensen’s third alcohol-related offense.
A Shasta County jury convicted Jensen on February 17, 2026, of felony DUI causing injury and reckless driving causing injury, plus a great bodily injury enhancement. On March 20, 2026, she was sentenced to 120 days in Shasta County Jail (with 90 days suspended, requiring her to serve 30 days beginning May 1), five years of formal probation, and a three-year driver’s license suspension.
Shasta Unfiltered previously reported on the conviction and Jensen’s May 2026 petition to the State Bar seeking to delay her interim license suspension (originally set for May 25, 2026, State Bar Court case SBC-26-C-30278). In that petition, Jensen cited her pending appeal while acknowledging the convictions.
The New Development
In early July 2026, Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett’s office asked the court to dismiss the DUI causing injury conviction. The court vacated that portion of the conviction. The reason: a May 21, 2026, ruling by the Sixth District Court of Appeal in Beale v. Department of Motor Vehicles. That decision held that an electric bicycle is not a “motor vehicle” under Vehicle Code section 13353 for certain license suspension purposes. Prosecutors determined this changed the legal theory that had supported the DUI causing injury charge as applied to Jensen’s electric scooter.
DA Bridgett stated the dismissal reflects a change in the law — not a change in the facts. She emphasized that prosecutors have a duty to ensure convictions rest on solid legal grounds, even after a jury verdict, and rejected suggestions of political motivation. The case had drawn attention because Jensen is a defense attorney, and due to the public and online activities of Jensen and her husband, Nathan Pinkney. Jensen had previously accused the DA’s office of playing politics in the case.
What Remains
The reckless driving causing injury conviction is unaffected. It is not yet clear how the partial vacation will impact the overall sentence, probation terms, or license suspension. Jensen is due back in Shasta County Superior Court on August 7, 2026, for sentencing proceedings on the remaining count.
The Victim’s Injuries — and No Reported Civil Suit - Calvin Johanessen, an elderly man on blood thinners at the time, was knocked unconscious in the crash. He suffered a broken collarbone, a deep ankle laceration requiring stitches, and nearly bled out at the scene before being rushed to Mercy Medical Center. More than two and a half years later, he remains unable to walk without assistance. The injuries have been described as life-altering and permanent, involving ongoing chronic pain and severe mobility limitations.
Despite the documented severity of these injuries, there is no public record or news reporting of Johanessen or his family filing a civil lawsuit against Jensen for damages as of July 14, 2026. Shasta Unfiltered’s prior coverage of this case has consistently highlighted the victim’s permanent hardship in contrast to efforts by Jensen to limit professional consequences.
Illustrative context on vehicle and location
Broader Context
Jensen, a longtime local criminal defense attorney (State Bar #284968), built her practice in part on defending clients facing DUI and similar charges. The partial vacation of one count after trial and sentencing raises questions about the finality of jury verdicts when appellate rulings shift the legal landscape. The DA’s office maintains that the original prosecution was proper under the law at the time of trial.
The reckless driving causing injury conviction still stands as a jury finding on Jensen’s conduct. The upcoming August 7 hearing will determine what, if any, adjustments are made to the original sentence.
Shasta Unfiltered will continue monitoring court proceedings, any further developments with the State Bar, and whether a civil action by the victim emerges. Community members concerned about accountability in cases involving serious injury to vulnerable pedestrians can follow updates here and attend the August 7 hearing.
