A Santa Maria man who allegedly injured a pregnant woman and killed her unborn fetus while driving drunk on Dec. 30 has pleaded no contest to a single felony charge and will spend up to two years in state prison.

Adrianne Dazo, 20, of Santa Maria was critically injured in the crash in Santa Maria. Dazo's 22-week-old fetus died as a result of the collision.

Brandon Parker, 21, pleaded no contest Thursday in Santa Barbara County Superior Court in Santa Maria to a felony count of driving under the influence causing injury, said his attorney, Deputy Public Defender Lori Pedego.

Parker was sentenced to two years in state prison, of which he will serve 50 percent as long as he is well-behaved in custody, she said.

He also was charged with a felony count of driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or greater causing injury, a misdemeanor count of driving with a suspended license, and special allegations of causing great bodily injury. However, those charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement, Pedego said.

Parker was driving a 2006 Ford Fusion eastbound on Donovan Road around 1:45 a.m. on Dec. 30 and failed to stop for a red light at Carlotti Drive, police alleged. He broadsided a 2005 Ford Focus being driven by Dazo northbound through the intersection, according to police.

Dazo and Parker were the only occupants of their vehicles. Parker was treated at Marian Medical Center and released into police custody.

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There is no crime for the death of a fetus in a vehicular manslaughter case, according to Gene Martinez, chief assistant district attorney for the North County.

He has said a murder charge can be filed for the death of a fetus, and among the circumstances for that to happen, the fetus must be deemed far enough developed to survive outside the womb.

Pedego said Friday that she feels for the victim and her family, and also said that Parker is a “wonderful young man” who made a stupid mistake.

“It think it is a tragic commentary of what can happen to a beautiful young woman when someone doesn't think their behavior through and drinks to excess,” she said.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Lynn Cutler, the prosecutor on the case, could not be reached Friday for comment.

Samantha Yale can be reached at 739-2159 or syale@santamariatimes.com.

April 5, 2008