Safety organizations and police departments throughout North Dakota and all around the nation frequently urge motorists to never get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking alcoholic beverages. Driving under the influence can result in property damage or injuries to those involved. Drunk driving charges are also a likelihood that can seriously affect someone’s life, particularly if multiple offenses are alleged. A man recently received his fourth DUI charge after being accused of operating his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
The Wahpeton Police Department reports that they responded to an accident where one vehicle apparently hit another. A 36-year-old man at the scene evidently stated that he was the driver of the car that hit the other one. During the investigation of the crash, officers supposedly smelled alcohol on the man’s breath and indicated that his speech was irregular. Records reflect that the driver said he had been drinking.
Officers purportedly conducted a variety of sobriety tests at the scene. A horizontal gaze nystagmus test that notes jerking movements in the eyes was reportedly failed by the man. He successfully executed a walk-and-turn test that required him to perform specific instructed tasks. However, the man’s blood alcohol contact was reported to be just over the legal limit at .089 percent. The legal limit for the state of North Dakota is .08 percent.
The driver faces a felony DUI charge of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor. The man had been reportedly convicted previously for DUI charges in another state. The prior incidents occurred in 2007, 2014 and 2016.
Drunk driving charges are very serious, under any circumstances. When there are multiple instances of DUI convictions, the penalties are likely to become more stringent. It is very important to build the strongest defense possible against any formal accusations. A North Dakota criminal defense attorney is typically a crucial ally to help an accused individual navigate the legal process.
Source: wahpetondailynews.com, “Wahpeton man charged with felony DUI“, Frank Stanko, March 9, 2018