Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can bring serious penalties for those who are caught. If the person causes an accident while intoxicated, then the penalties are compounded, especially if the person is charged with felony drunk driving. Anyone who is accused of driving while intoxicated, driving while ability impaired or another impairment-related charge should seek as much information about the charges and possible penalties as possible.
Readers in Poughkeepsie have probably read about this recent incident: A 34-year-old man is currently being held on $25,000 bail and $50,000 bond after an accident that occurred on Jan. 27. According to authorities, the man crossed the centerline on Route 82 and struck a vehicle driven by a 23-year-old woman. After the accident, the man fled on foot.
An off-duty police officer reportedly observed the man fleeing and apprehended him. Both the man and the woman were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Upon the man’s release from the hospital on Jan. 30, he was arrested and charged with the felonies of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and driving while intoxicated. He was also charged with failing to keep right and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.
This incident shows that it is never wise to leave the scene of an accident. The 34-year-old is facing additional charges and has made building a solid defense more difficult. When facing charges of this nature, being able to show that the defendant cooperated with the investigation can leave the door to a possible plea bargain for lesser charges open.
Source: Poughkeepsie Journal, “Police apprehend DWI suspect with some help,” Feb. 5, 2013
