Anyone who has visited a mall at this time of the year likely knows of the chaos that could be encountered. As people across the country shop for holiday gifts, the malls — and their parking lots — become more crowded than at any other time of the year. The extra traffic in a parking lot could easily create confusion for a driver in Illinois. Unfortunately, one man now faces a DUI charge after an off-duty police officer claimed that he was driving erratically.
According to reports, an off-duty police officer noticed a vehicle in a mall parking lot around noon one day in December that was being driven erratically. He called on-duty officers who reported to the scene. They claim they found six bottle caps in the man’s pocket as well as five empty bottles and one partially full one.
Additionally, they say that a receipt in the car showed that a six-pack of beer had been purchased that morning. The man reportedly refused to take a field sobriety test. He was arrested and taken to jail.
In all criminal cases, including those involving a DUI charge, Illinois prosecutors must provide sufficient evidence to prove that a defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. For example, prosecutors must prove that the receipt that was allegedly found was for the beer in the car as well as prove that the accused was the person who consumed the beer. It is unclear at this time if the officers have actual proof that the man was under the influence of alcohol other than driving that was described as erratic. The man will likely want an experienced attorney who can examine the evidence against him and help him pursue the best possible outcome for his case.
Source: patch.com, “Joliet Man Caught Driving Drunk in Louis Mall Lot Around Noon on a Monday: Police“, Joseph Hosey, Dec. 9, 2014