There are a variety of scenarios in which a routine traffic stop may occur, some of which might not always include an apparent traffic violation. For instance, authorities may choose to initiate a stop should they learn that a driver is operating a vehicle without a valid license. A traffic stop that took place under similar circumstances in Wisconsin has left a 48-year-old man facing drunk driving charges.
The incident reportedly began just before 7 a.m. on a recent Thursday when an officer noticed a vehicle in a nearby parking lot and decided to run its license plate. After claiming to have learned that the driver was operating the vehicle with a revoked license, the officer waited for him to pull out of the lot and then initiated a traffic stop shortly thereafter. Upon approaching the vehicle, police claim the man had a container of alcohol in his hand.
While speaking with police, the man allegedly admitted to drinking several beers prior to getting behind the wheel of the vehicle. While a breath test allegedly indicated his blood alcohol content to be .78, police claim that due to previous convictions, the man had a restriction of .02. He was taken into custody and charged with drunk driving, and he could reportedly face more than 12 months in prison should a conviction be obtained.
A conviction for drunk driving charges carries consequences that could have a substantial impact on a person's life. Those who face similar charges could benefit from consulting with an attorney as soon as possible for guidance on the consequences they may face and advice on how best to approach the situation. An attorney in Wisconsin can help a client better understand what to expect from the process and assist in pursuing the most favorable outcome possible during court proceedings.