An Oregon driver is facing criminal charges following a car accident. According to police, the 40-year-old man was driving a Dodge Dakota truck when he lost control over the vehicle. Police claim that he then swerved out of his lane and into oncoming traffic. Apparently, the man hit another car -- a Ford Mustang -- that had been in the other lane.
As a result of this collision, police say that a two-year-old child was injured. The child was eventually airlifted to a hospital in Portland for treatment. However, the driver of the other car was uninjured.
Police have claimed that the man was driving under the influence at the time of the auto accident. Therefore, the man was charged with misdemeanor DUII. Because of the accident, the man also faces charges for reckless endangerment, third-degree assault and second-degree assault. He is scheduled to appear in court in early June.
DUII charges can be very serious, especially when someone else is hurt by a suspected drunk driver. There are immediate consequences to the charges which include a driver's license suspension. Without a drivers' license, many Oregon residents may have a difficult time getting to work, school or social engagements. DUII and DUI charges also result in large fines that can create immediate economic harm for those found guilty. Even a first time DUII offender can expect to may around $1,400 minimum in fines and fees. There can also be jail time and probation. The amount of time will depend on the circumstances in each case.
With these penalties, people need to make sure that they do everything they can to defend against DUII charges. While police may be quick to assume that drivers that cause accidents are drunk, they need solid evidence of intoxication before someone can be found guilty. By challenging police evidence, people can lower their chances of conviction and penalties.
Source: Mail Tribune, "Driver charged in crash that injured young boy," Ryan Pfeil, June 4, 2014
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