When authorities receive reports of a vehicle drifting in and out of the lanes of traffic, they are obligated to locate the vehicle and investigate the situation. While there could be several scenarios in which a driver may exhibit such behavior, it might not be uncommon for police to suspect the presence of impairment. A recent traffic stop that took place under similar circumstances in Wisconsin has led to drunk driving charges for a 48-year-old woman.
The incident reportedly began when police received a call about a vehicle that was weaving in and out of lanes. The witness informed police that the vehicle had also veered off course and into a ditch several times before drifting back onto the road. While investigating the matter, police claim to have located the vehicle parked in a nearby driveway, and they say that the car was still with the driver sitting behind the wheel.
Upon approaching the vehicle, authorities allegedly saw an opened container of alcohol inside. They also assert that the woman initially refused to comply with requests to exit the vehicle and that a subsequent blood test indicated her blood alcohol content to be almost three times the legal limit. She was arrested soon thereafter and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, which would reportedly be her fifth offense if a conviction is obtained.
The penalties for successive drunk driving convictions are severe, and those who face similar charges could benefit from seeking guidance as soon as possible. A person who stands accused of driving under the influence could choose to consult with a defense attorney for guidance on what to expect from the process. An attorney can evaluate the charges a client in Wisconsin is facing and provide guidance on the best course of action to take during subsequent court proceedings.
