Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Blog
Judges often say during sentencing that drunk driving is not like a lot of other crimes. The reason for this is because it is a serious crime that can, and often does, result in the death of innocent victims that is often not taken seriously and often committed by a person who is otherwise not a typical criminal. Not only that, it is one of the few crimes that a person who otherwise has no issues in their life will commit multiple times, even though it is costing them everything they have worked for.
There are a variety of reasons for this. In many cases, especially with younger people, it is often seen as not a big deal, and something that everyone does. In some cases, a drunk driver is someone who makes bad decisions, but not necessarily someone who made a bad choice, and was negligent, but is not what we would typically describe as an alcoholic. However, in other cases, the drunk driver is an alcoholic and drives drunk on a regular basis, despite the tremendous risk to themselves and others.
The recidivism rate for drunk driving also proves problematic. While we would expect many people with no other criminal record would learn their lesson and not do it again, many people do end up getting arrested for drunk driving on multiple occasions. According to a recent news feature from the Worcester Telegram, a man from Worcester, Massachusetts was just arrested on his fourth drunk driving charge.
In this case, police allege that he was driving nearly 45 miles per hour over the posted speed limit and crashed into another vehicle and then into a local business. He is only 31 years old. In addition to the drunk driving charge (operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs), he was also charged with a variety of other traffic charges related to the Worcester drunk driving accident.
The defendant injured his ankle in this alleged drunk driving crash and was taken to the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center in Worcester for treatment while accompanied by local police. Pursuant to the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, local police obtained a warrant to get a blood sample and other medical records from the hospital. According to reports, his blood indicated he was driving his vehicle under the influence of alcohol at the time of the car accident.
Police also alleged that this particular defendant is also suspected of involvement in a separate hit-and-run accident that occurred in front of a supermarket. In that incident, police alleged he crashed into to a parked car and fled the scene. He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident after property damage and negligent driving. However, he was not charged with drunk driving in that incident, since the police were not able to determine his blood alcohol content (BAC) at that time. It should be noted that defendant is presumed innocent of all charges unless and until he is found guilty in court of law.
If you or someone you love has been injured a Boston drunk driving accident, call for a free and confidential appointment at (617) 777-7777.
Additional Resources:
Webster man facing fourth drunken driving charge, July 20, 2016, Worcester Telegram, By Brian Lee
More Blog Entries:
Bruins Star Ray Bourque Arrested for Drunk Driving After Car Accident, July 5, 2016, Boston Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer Blog