Drunk driving charges are not black-and-white. Instead, there are a variety of factors that can influence the specific charges that a person faces when arrested for driving under the influence. These factors can include the person's blood alcohol content level, the person's criminal history, if property was damaged prior to the person's arrest and if someone else was injured by the suspected drunk driver. The facts surrounding a person's arrest can, therefore, become important in a drunk driving case.
Recently, in Portland a man was arrested on DUII charges. In this case, police say that the man caused an accident while driving. Specifically, they claim that he lost control over his car and crashed into a building. The accident occurred near the intersection of 33rd and Northeast Sandy Boulevard. Apparently, his car was found through the front doors of a local business. However, no one was hurt in the accident.
It is unclear if the man had a prior criminal record. His BAC level was also unknown and therefore it is unknown how these factors will affect the charges or penalties he faces. Depending on the specific charges, people can face a wide array of penalties for driving drunk. These can include jail or prison time, large fines and loss of a driver's license. The severity of the penalties will generally increase if a person has a high BAC level at the time of their arrest, if property was damaged by the drunk driver or if someone was hurt.
Those facing drunk driving charges do have options, however, in combating the charges. With the right help, people can challenge police evidence. This can include challenging the police's initial stop of the vehicle and BAC level collection methods -- such as challenging how a breath test was administered. In some situations, these criminal defense methods can help to reduce charges or penalties in a case.
Source: Fox 12, "Drunk driver crashes car into Portland business," Nov. 30, 2014
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