Police in Louisiana are rightfully concerned about people who drive while intoxicated. Law enforcement continually reminds drivers that operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol can have serious consequences. Being involved in an accident while intoxicated may result in vehicular assault or homicide charges if someone is injured or killed.
Recently, a 43-year-old man was driving in the left lane of Interstate 10. He was heading east when his car crossed the line into the right lane and clipped the back corner of a van carrying three people. The impact caused the van to slam into the guard rail.
Although the driver and the passenger in the front seat were not seriously hurt, another passenger, who was not wearing a seat belt, was critically injured. The 93-year-old woman was taken to a nearby hospital where she died of her injuries. Police suspected that the driver of the car was impaired by drugs or alcohol. He was charged with vehicular homicide, two counts of vehicular negligent injuring and recklessly operating a vehicle.
Impaired driving can cause one to make serious driving errors, leading to the injury or death of others. Such accidents are often prosecuted zealously in Louisiana, and anyone convicted of vehicular assault or homicide may face a lengthy prison sentence and other penalties. Because of this, those who are charged with these crimes often retain legal counsel as quickly as possible. An experienced attorney will examine the evidence and recommend a course of action that may minimize the negative impact these charges have on a person’s life.
Source: katc.com, “Virginia man arrested in Butte Larose crash”, Aug. 14, 2016
