Man Who Hit VA Police Vehicle Arrested On Drunk Driving Charges
Drunk driving charges in Virginia can lead to severe penalties including being fined, losing driving privileges and even a prison sentence. These issues can not only result in a loss of freedom, but can result in longstanding problems that can affect a person’s entire life. Those who are from a different state and are driving in Virginia are also subject to the same state laws as Virginia residents. When arrested for drunk driving, the defendant should understand the importance of formulating a strong defense.
Recently, a 43-year-old man from Baltimore who hit a law enforcement officer with his vehicle was arrested for DUI in Fairfax County. The accident occurred while the officer was making a traffic stop of another vehicle on the interstate. According to authorities, the man, driving a 2016 Dodge Charger, drove off the road and hit the officer at around 11:30 p.m. The officer was in his police cruiser at the time and was uninjured. He had his police lights on and was stopped on the side of the road. The alleged drunk driver was not hurt.
Law enforcement takes it very seriously when they suspect drivers of operating a vehicle while under the influence. This is no surprise given the number of people who can be injured or killed in a car crash due to a drunk driver. However, that does not automatically mean that those who are stopped on suspicion of DWI are guilty, nor does it mean that the officer initiated the investigation based on the law and followed the proper procedures. Breath tests can be administered with faulty machines, chains of evidence can be broken, field sobriety tests can be conducted wrongly, and other mistakes can be made. It’s also possible that the driver was innocent. Considering the issues that can arise with a conviction on DWI, it is imperative to know all possible defense claims.
In this incident, a driver from Baltimore was arrested in Virginia on drunk driving charges after crashing into a police cruiser. With the charges he faces, it is important that he moves forward with planning a defense as soon as possible with help from an attorney experienced in helping clients facing offenses linked to DWI.
Source: Washington Post, “Virginia state trooper struck by alleged drunk driver in Fairfax County,” Michael Smith, March 27, 2016
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