Sometimes people make mistakes. Occasionally, someone fails to learn from their original mistake and completes the same one again. Unfortunately, such a pattern tends to make others automatically assume that the person will continue on the same course, even if the lesson has finally been learned. For example, some might assume that a person with a previous DUI charge is automatically guilty of the same offense if that same person is involved in another accident. Recently, an Illinois man with previous drunk driving related charges was arrested again after a collision with a police car.
The accident occurred at night in late December. Police allege that an officer in the sheriff’s department was stopped on an Illinois road. The 39-year-driver of another vehicle allegedly struck the stopped vehicle from behind.
The man, who has a history of DUI convictions, was arrested. He now faces charges related to drunk driving as well as several other charges. He is currently being held on bond. At this time, it is unclear why the sheriff’s car was stopped or how it is was determined that the man was under the influence.
It would be easy for police officers to assume that a man with a history of driving under the influence deserves another DUI charge if involved in an accident. However, it is important to remember that the man is considered innocent unless and until proven otherwise in a court of law. Illinois prosecutors will have to prove the man’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in order to gain such a conviction. In many cases, the burden is proof is difficult to meet.
Source: CBS Chicago, Police: Drunken Driver Hits County Officer’s Squad Car, No author, Dec. 20, 2013