The presence of snowy or icy weather conditions can have a significant impact on a person's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Even while driving at a lesser speed, it may little more than a patch of ice to throw the vehicle into a spin and keeping it from veering off course under similar scenarios could be nearly impossible. A recent accident in Wisconsin in which police say they found a vehicle crashed into a snowy bank has reportedly left a 52-year-old man in custody on suspicion of drunk driving.
Authorities say they arrived at the scene of the incident on a recent Monday afternoon. Upon approaching the vehicle, they claim to have found the driver asleep behind the wheel. They also assert that the vehicle was equipped with an ignition interlock device and say that it appeared as though the man had tampered with the device prior to driving the vehicle.
While speaking with authorities, the man allegedly admitted to drinking alcohol prior to getting behind the wheel of the vehicle. According to reports, field sobriety tests were administered shortly thereafter and the man was arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired. With reports indicating he has seven previous OWI convictions on record, he would likely face severe penalties should a conviction for an eighth offense be obtained.
With a great deal at stake, those who face felony drunk driving charges may find it advisable to seek insight on how to prepare for what comes next as soon as possible. By consulting with an experienced attorney, a person in Wisconsin could obtain much needed advice on what to expect from the process. Such guidance could help a person better prepare to make informed choices about the situation and assist him or her in developing a strategy to seek the most favorable outcome possible given the circumstances during subsequent court proceedings.