A woman in New Jersey whose parked car was allegedly hit by a drunk driver led police to the man’s house after reportedly tailing him. The driver now faces a charge of DWI as well as leaving the scene, careless driving and failing to report the accident.
According to a police representative, a 29-year-old Bayonne resident was said to have struck the parked car at about 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 9. The owner of the damaged car witnessed the accident and watched as the man fled the scene. After following him, the woman alerted police to the accident and the man’s location.
Upon arriving at the residence, police reportedly found the man lying on his front porch. Authorities indicated that the man appeared unsteady, confused and smelled of alcohol. A Breathalyzer test administered at the site showed a blood alcohol content of .18 percent. The man was also unable to complete a field sobriety test. His car was impounded by the police, and he was transported to a hospital.
In New Jersey, DWI charges may result in loss of driving privileges as well as costly fines. A conviction may result in jail time and the financial burden of an ignition interlock device or higher insurance rates.
Under similar circumstances, an attorney might be able to challenge the evidence stacked against the defendant. Field sobriety tests are often subjective and may yield ambiguous results if an individual suffers from an inhibiting health condition. If probable cause or test protocol standards are in error, an attorney may motion to have charges dismissed. He or she might also develop a plea agreement that could reduce charges and penalties.
Source: NJ.com, “Bayonne man charged with DWI after hit-and-run: police“, Mike D’Onofrio , August 15, 2014
Source: NJ.com, “Bayonne man charged with DWI after hit-and-run: police“, Mike D’Onofrio , August 15, 2014
