When people make the mistake of driving after drinking there can be serious consequences. People who are found guilty of DUII can be sentenced to jail time, probation, fines and counseling. They may also lose their license -- even for just a first-time offense. However, when people who have been driving drunk cause further damage, they can face even more severe punishments and additional criminal charges.
In a recent case, an Oregon man was accused of driving drunk on Highway 99E. Authorities claim that the man lost control of his car and drove into a ditch. He apparently hit a natural gas pipeline in the process. Authorities claim that by the time they arrived at the scene, the man had left. However, the gas line was damaged to the point of leaking and required repairs.
Later in the day, police say, they found the man walking down the highway. He was arrested and charged with misdemeanor hit-and-run and driving under the influence of intoxicants.
The burden is now on the prosecutors to prove that this man was really driving drunk. In order for the drunk-driving charges to stick, they must show that he was driving over the legal limit at the time of the accident. To do this they must provide evidence of his blood alcohol content level. This can be easier said than done, since there are strict requirements for collecting BAC evidence.
In situations like these, it is important to force prosecutors to present this evidence. If they cannot prove that a person was drunk at the time of the arrest, then that person cannot face punishment.
Source: NWCN, "DUII driver hits gas pipe closing HWY 99E," Dec. 22, 2012
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