A recent single-vehicle wreck led Louisiana police to make an arrest. The driver accused of drunk driving did not appear to be injured in the wreck. He is facing several criminal charges, including a hit and run and weight restriction charges on top of a first offense DWI. For Lake Charles residents facing similar charges, the potential effects of a criminal conviction can be devastating.
Police were called to the scene of the accident where an 18-wheeler had apparently struck a fire hydrant, street sign, stop sign and fence. By the time officers arrived the driver had already fled and parked the large truck behind a nearby Walmart. It is unclear if he was on the clock at the time of the wreck.
When authorities located the driver and his truck they allegedly observed the 35-year-old driver behaving in a manner that indicated he was intoxicated. Officers also noted that he smelled strongly of alcohol. The driver, however, refused to submit to field sobriety testing and would not take a Breathalyzer, so police obtained a search warrant to have his blood drawn. His blood-alcohol content results are not yet available.
Although a first offense drunk driving charge may sound less serious than second or third offenses, it can still have a profound effect on defendants’ lives. Many temporarily lose their driving privileges, which makes it difficult to maintain their employment, particularly if their jobs relied on their ability to drive. Handling these charges quickly is essential for any Lake Charles resident accused of driving while under the influence of alcohol, as these allegations move through the criminal system much more quickly than other types of charges.
