There are numerous situations in which a person may experience fatigue while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Shift workers and individuals who drive for extended periods may be more prone to fatigue while driving, and even certain medical conditions can affect a person's ability to remain awake while operating a vehicle. Unfortunately, similar circumstances have left a 28-year-old woman in Wisconsin facing multiple drunk driving charges.
Law enforcement agents assert that the woman was arrested on two separate occasions over a short period of time. The first incident reportedly took place when they received reports of a driver who had fallen asleep in the drive-thru of a fast food restaurant. During the incident, police claim to have located multiple empty containers of alcohol within the vehicle, and a subsequent breath test allegedly indicated the woman's blood alcohol content to be more than three times the legal limit.
Authorities assert the second incident began just over one month later when they received reports of a vehicle that was parked illegally on the side of a local road. Upon arriving at the scene, police say they found the driver asleep behind the wheel of the vehicle. While investigating the matter, they claim to have found the woman to be under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and she was taken into custody soon thereafter.
The woman now faces multiple felony drunk driving charges, and if convicted, she could be facing as many as nine years behind bars. With the potential gravity of a conviction looming overhead, those who face similar charges could benefit from seeking guidance from an attorney early in the process. An attorney can help a client in Wisconsin better understand what to expect from the process and assist him or her in making informed decisions in preparation for subsequent court proceedings.