Anyone who goes out for a night on the town should ensure that they have a way to get home if they’re going to consume alcohol. Sometimes, people don’t realize that they can’t operate their vehicle safely so they drive home. If a crash happens in that situation, the driver might end up facing criminal charges.
Facing criminal charges because of a drunk driving crash is a serious matter – and the charges will be enhanced if there’s a fatality. As a defendant, it’s up to you to ensure that you protect your rights through the case.
What other legal problems could you face?
If the crash resulted in injuries, you may face a civil claim on top of the criminal charges. This is completely separate from the criminal case. It’s a way the victims can try to recover financial damages for their losses.
It’s possible to be found guilty in a criminal case but not liable in a civil case – and the opposite can also happen. Because each case is separate, you need a defense strategy for each case instead of trying to rely on only one defense for both.
Anyone who’s involved in a drunk driving crash and is arrested for operating a vehicle while impaired should ensure they learn about their defense strategies. Having someone on your side who’s aware of the options — and the risks you are facing in more than one legal arena — can help you to determine what’s in your best interests so that you make informed decisions.
