It is easy to make assumptions. For example, it is easy for people to assume that a person involved in a motor vehicle accident in the middle of the night was under the influence of alcohol. However, many people who have not been drinking use the roads at all hours of the night due to non-traditional work hours or illness. In all cases of suspected drunk driving, it is important that police officers and other authorities make charges based on actual evidence, not assumptions. There are multiple different reasons a woman could have been on the roadways when she was involved in an accident in Chicago that led to a DUI charge recently.
The car accident happened in the early morning hours of a Monday in early February. Police claim that the 29-year-old woman, who was driving a van, failed to obey a traffic light. As a result, she struck a sedan that reportedly contained three adults and three children. One official suggested that the children in the vehicle included a 7-year-old and two infants.
The occupants of both vehicles were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Everyone is expected to survive. The woman now faces several charges in addition to the DUI charge.
It is unclear at this time how it was determined that the woman was allegedly under the influence of alcohol. There is no information of a field sobriety or Breathalyzer test being administered or why the DUI charge was reportedly warranted. While most people acknowledge the potential risks of drinking and driving, it is important that the right’s of those accused are protected. Prosecutors in Chicago must have enough evidence to prove the woman’s guilt. Unless they are able to convince the court that she is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the woman cannot be convicted.
Source: NBC Chicago, Woman Charged With DUI After Crash Injures 7, No author, Feb. 4, 2014