MARINA, Calif. -- A Monterey County sheriff's deputy was charged Thursday with driving under the influence of prescription medication.

Prosecutors charged Stephen Sapiro for a Nov. 18 car accident. Police said he broadsided a car in Marina, seriously injuring a woman and her three young children.

Prosecutors said they had no choice but to file felony charges against the deputy.

"We take these cases as they are, take a look at the facts. (We are) bound to follow the law. It's the appropriate thing to do at this time," said prosecutor Ed Hazel.

If convicted, Sapiro faces six years in prison and may never be allowed to carry a gun. He is scheduled to be arraigned in February.