Trial Date Set for Former District Attorney's Wife Charged in DUI Case

A Sept. 29 trial date was scheduled Wednesday for ex-Riverside County District Attorney Paul Zellerbach’s wife, who is charged in a misdemeanor DUI case.

Dr. Paige E. Zellerbach, 50, is charged with driving under the influence of prescription drugs in connection with a crash last Dec. 16.

During a status hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice, the prosecution and defense told Superior Court Judge Becky Dugan they would be prepared for trial at the end of the month. An intervening hearing is scheduled Sept. 16 to hear evidentiary motions in the case.

The California Attorney General’s Office is handling the prosecution to avoid legal conflicts. The defendant’s husband was defeated in the June 2014 election by the current D.A., Mike Hestrin.

Paige Zellerbach, a longtime Riverside dentist who is free on her own recognizance, was arrested after she crashed her black BMW into a tree at Orozco Drive and Overlook Parkway, roughly two blocks from the gated community where she and the former district attorney reside.

Officers detained Zellerbach for questioning at the scene and arrested her about two hours later, after determining that she was allegedly impaired.

Zellerbach has no prior criminal history. If convicted of the DUI charge, she could face probation and a short-term jail sentence.

• --City News Service, courtesy photo