Drunk driving comes with serious consequences in Wisconsin. This act has victimized many Milwaukee residents and authorities have made chasing down drunk drivers a top priority. With their efforts to stop the spread of DUI, officers have become more stringent in enforcing the law as they evaluate and apprehend suspected drunk drivers. Unfortunately, law enforcement personnel sometimes make mistakes in their evaluations of whether a driver is driving drunk.
Recently, a woman was charged with causing bodily harm and drunk driving. Police officers were conducting a traffic stop when they saw a crash involving a car and a pedestrian.
According to police, the victim, a 59-year-old man, was hit and sustained multiple injuries including cuts, bleeding on the brain, broken bones and spinal fractures. The 32-year-old woman refused a blood test and failed a field sobriety test at the scene. Authorities received a warrant to test her blood, the results of which are still pending. They also received a warrant to check the blood alcohol level of the man who was hit. The woman is expected to face criminal charges relating to the accident, including charges for drunk driving.
Charges as heavy as these may put the driver’s life in a grave situation. Authorities should investigate all allegations of drunk driving — also known as operating while intoxicated, or OWI — thoroughly and fairly because of the heavy consequences that are attached to them.
If convicted, the driver may receive a sentence involving long period of incarceration and large fines, either of which could negatively affect her life. Even if not convicted, these charges may remain on her record for a period of time, resulting in difficulty obtaining employment or credit and limiting access to operating a motor vehicle. To avoid these things, accused drunk drivers in Wisconsin may obtain the assistance of excellent legal counsels. With their exceptional insights, attorneys may build a stronghold of a criminal defense in the defendant’s stead.
Source: Journal Sentinel, “Milwaukee woman accused of driving drunk, hitting pedestrian,” Ashley Luthern, June 11, 2013