The state of Louisiana is seldom lenient with intoxicated drivers. Being convicted of drunk driving — even a first offense — can mean fines, jail time and years of rehabilitation programs, as well as a lengthy suspension of one’s driver’s license. However, if an intoxicated driver is involved in an accident, he or she potentially faces a lifetime of retribution. One local man may be in that situation after a recent accident.
At around 3 p.m. one Friday, the 33-year-old man was allegedly driving at a high rate of speed behind two slower vehicles. Police used accident reconstruction to determine that the man attempted to pass the two cars by crossing the center line in a no passing zone. While he was still in the other lane, his car collided head-on with another vehicle.
The man who was passing and the driver of the other car were wearing seatbelts. Nevertheless, they were both injured seriously. The passenger in the other car, however, was not restrained, and she died as a result of her injuries.
Toxicology reports concluded that the driver who attempted to pass was intoxicated. This was his first offense. Additionally, police say he was traveling at speeds of 88 mph in a 55 mph zone. He is charged with vehicular homicide, vehicular negligent injuring and intoxicated driving, as well as lesser charges of speeding and passing in a no passing zone.
Having an attorney by his side as soon as possible will be in this Louisiana man’s best interest. Facing drunk driving and other charges, the man will benefit from the experience a criminal law attorney can provide in examining the evidence and planning a solid defense. A dedicated lawyer will work to protect him from the harsh penalties a conviction could bring.
Source: press-herald.com, “LSP: Speed, alcohol factors in deadly June crash“, Michelle Bates, Aug. 22, 2016