Originally, Terrence Meeks of Paramount was arrested on attempted murder, but now, he faces one count of DUI causing injury and one count of driving with a .08 blood-alcohol level causing injury. The district attorney's office said there was not enough evidence to charge Meeks with murder.
One of the victims from the accident was in court for the proceeding.
Meeks, 40, hid behind computer monitors as he entered a not guilty plea to the felony charge. He allegedly drove his vehicle into two men who were standing next to a parked car outside a strip club at Olympic Boulevard and McGarry Street just east of downtown L.A. on March 10.
One man lost one leg, and the other, Sal Wilson, lost both legs. He said he wanted to be in court to face the man who hit him.
"I haven't been able to sleep at night since it happened," Wilson said. "I wake up in sweats. I see his face. I see the car coming at me. I remember having my leg in my hand, and I can't get it out of my head."
Wilson said it hasn't quite hit him just yet what kind of road to recovery he faces.
Meeks remains in custody on $160,000 bail. He is due back in court on April 9 for a preliminary hearing setting date.
