Drunk driving charge can be unsettling

A death caused by a motor vehicle accident is a tragedy. It can be all the more so if possibly caused by a drunk driver. A recent accident in Louisiana that took the life of a woman and seriously injured another reportedly was the result of drunk driving.

Early in the morning a woman was driving her car when she was hit from behind. The force of the impact caused the car to flip onto its roof and then burst into flames. She was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the coroner’s report, her death was caused by burns and smoke inhalation. A passenger in the other vehicle also suffered burn injuries.

When officers arrived on the scene, they reported detecting the smell of alcohol on the driver who had appeared to have caused the crash. The driver was subjected to a field sobriety test and it was said that he did not perform well. He allegedly admitted to having been drinking gin prior to the crash though toxicology results were not readily available. He was charged with vehicular homicide, negligent driving and driving with a suspended license.

A person in Louisiana who is arrested and accused of a crime retains the right to the presumption of innocence until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. When drunk driving is suspected, this can be unsettling to the accused. A person may be unsure of his or her rights and typically relies upon a criminal defense attorney to navigate the court proceedings. A knowledgeable attorney can inform the client of one’s rights and work to ensure that those rights are upheld throughout the criminal justice process.