Drivers in New York who exceed the speed limit, drive erratically or have malfunctioning brake lights or other problems with their vehicles will always be at risk of being pulled over. What they say and do when this happens could lead to drunk driving charges. For this reason, many drivers call their attorneys immediately when they suspect they might be accused of driving while impaired.
A 31-year-old driver who resides in Pearl River was pulled over by the Orangetown Police Department on Western Highway on a recent Wednesday night around 10 p.m. Law enforcement claims a patrol officer noticed the vehicle traveling at a speed that was allegedly much faster than the posted limit. The officer proceeded to carry out a traffic stop and alleged that the driver was intoxicated.
Further allegations indicated that police found that the driver had marijuana in his possession. Authorities reported the driver’s refusal to submit to a Breathalyzer test when he was taken to police headquarters. He was arrested on a misdemeanor DUI charge and cited for unlawful marijuana possession. The driver was later released, and he is awaiting his next court hearing.
Even if the DUI charge that is filed is only a misdemeanor, if it is not handled appropriately, the consequences might not be as insignificant as might be expected. Anyone facing drunk driving charges might find that having an experienced New York criminal defense attorney in his or her corner from the start could be invaluable. A lawyer can ensure that the client’s rights are protected while examining the charges and the procedures followed by the officers who did the traffic stop. Based on the relevant information, a defense strategy can be devised to ensure the most favorable outcome.
