Driving under the influence is a serious offense in the state of Wisconsin. While all drunk driving charges pose serious threats to individuals' rights, felony DUI charges can be the most damaging to someone's reputation and livelihood. DUI charges can be tried in court and can result in defendants being incarcerated, fined and otherwise cut off from society.
A Wisconsin woman is facing multiple drunk driving charges for her alleged involvement in a fatal car accident. A car being driven by a 31-year-old man was attempting to turn out of a driveway around 10:30 in the evening when the woman's vehicle allegedly collided with the rear end of his car. According to police, the force of the impact caused the man's vehicle to hit a tree. The 31-year-old driver suffered injuries and his 51-year-old passenger was killed as a result of the accident.
The 23-year-old female driver has been charged with four separate drunk driving charges, including homicide by use of a vehicle while intoxicated. These charges include felony DUI claims that could leave the woman facing a significant jail sentence.
The judicial system does follow established procedures but defendants do have rights within that system. For example, defendants can present their own side of their case and offer defenses to the charges brought against them. They can examine witnesses and offer their own evidence in support of their side of the story. Although some defendants represent themselves, others feel more confident with the assistance of a legal professional.
As this defendant waits for her day in court she will have to deal with the challenges associated with drunk driving charges. Felony DUI charges can take a toll on a person who can be convicted of charges for which the person may not have been responsible.
Source: Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, "Woman charged in fatal Portage County drunken driving crash," Sept. 30, 2013