A 34-year-old woman was charged with two counts of driving while intoxicated after crashing her vehicle in Ham Lake, Minnesota. The accident occurred at 10 p.m. on June 15, and authorities say that the woman had a blood alcohol content of .175 percent when it took place. Authorities also said that she initially claimed that she had not been driving the vehicle when it went off of the road.
However, officers believed that she was impaired when they made contact with her. Later, the woman admitted to driving the vehicle and to consuming alcohol prior to doing so. According to the woman’s relatives, she was not supposed to be driving the car as she was on a variety of medications. After calling her attorney, the driver refused to take a breath test and tried to kick the officer who took her into custody.
She was charged with refusing a breath test, and both the DWI and refusal charge carry penalties of up to seven years in prison. She could also be fined up to $14,000 if convicted on either charge. The driver had three previous convictions for impaired driving prior to the crash in Ham Lake. Those convictions occurred in May 2010, June 2011 and July 2012.
Individuals who are charged with a drunk driving may face serious consequences such as incarceration, a fine and a loss of driving privileges. Those who refuse to take a breath test could face a license suspension or fine even if they aren’t convicted of the DWI charge. This is why having experienced legal assistance can be advisable.