Defendant given probation for felony DUI injuring two and fleeing scene

By Paso Robles Press · Mon Oct 06 2025

PASO ROBLES — District Attorney Dan Dow announced that John Joseph Cicone, 51, of Paso Robles, pleaded guilty to all charges related to a felony DUI crash that caused serious injuries to a married couple and for fleeing the scene.

Despite the prosecution’s request for a state prison sentence, Judge Barry T. LaBarbera sentenced Cicone to five years of supervised probation and 270 days in county jail (with 135 days to serve).

According to prosecutors, Cicone — then a California Department of Corrections officer — was driving under the influence on June 22, 2024, when he struck another vehicle at US-101 and San Marcos Road in rural Paso Robles. Both victims sustained major injuries. Cicone fled on foot, later calling 911 and providing false information about the incident.

"While the victim in this case gave a compelling statement describing her forgiveness of the defendant, this light sentence and grant of probation is very disappointing," said District Attorney Dan Dow. "This defendant who served the public in a law enforcement position owed a special duty to protect and care for the victims of his selfish criminal conduct. I hope that Mr. Cicone takes the grace he was given by the Judge as motivation to never again drink alcohol and drive a motor vehicle. I hope he will become an outspoken advocate for sober driving for the rest of his life. His conduct could have easily taken the lives of this married couple who were driving carefully and expecting to arrive home safely."

Cicone is scheduled to surrender for his jail sentence on October 30, 2025.

You can find more information on the probationary sentence at slocounty.ca.gov