New Jersey man crashes into building, charged with drunk driving

In an early morning incident, a Lawrence resident allegedly drove his car through a metal signpost, and then crashed through an exterior wall at a service station. The man has been charged with drunk driving.

According to police, the man failed to follow a curve in the roadway, which caused his vehicle to leave the road surface, travel through a signpost and come to a stop inside the service bay of a garage. The structure then caught fire, which was extinguished by firefighters. Authorities claim the driver was found standing outside the burning building.

The man was taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries, and charged with driving while intoxicated and other traffic violations. The repair shop owner said no one was inside the building as the business was closed for the night.

A DWI arrest can be a serious matter, especially if it is the result of an accident that involves injury or damage to another’s property. Those charged with such an offense may face jail time, fines and suspension or revocation of their driver’s license that could lead to loss of employment and other secondary consequences.

Because of this fact, anyone being charged with drunk driving should ensure that a proper defense is mounted. The most important way to protect one’s rights is to require the government to prove the case against one. In certain circumstances, evidence such as breath test results can be challenged. There are also rules that the police must follow with regard to when they can stop a vehicle, and when they can search a vehicle or the driver.

It is important that citizens require the authorities to do their jobs, and ensure their rights are protected. This is especially true in the case of a DWI arrest, as the consequences to the accused can be serious indeed.

Source: NJ.com, “Car accident in Hamilton ends in flames, driver charged with drunk driving,” Christina Izzo, April 4, 2013