An arrest for drunk driving opens the door to potentially life-altering consequences. While it is possible that a Minnesota driver may find clemency in the courts when facing a simple DWI charge, certain factors can aggravate those charges and enhance the sentences for conviction. For example, the damage or destruction of property during a crash involving alcohol may complicate the situation for a driver, who may turn to a skilled attorney for a strong DWI defense.
Police suspect alcohol was involved in a recent accident that took place in the very early hours of the morning. A driver traveling at a high rate of speed apparently lost control of his vehicle after failing to negotiate a curve on a residential road. The car plowed over a mailbox and bulleted straight through the garage of a home, emerging from the back of the structure.
Authorities believe the vehicle may have struck a flammable source such as a gas line because the garage ignited. The ensuing fire resulted in the destruction of the garage and serious damage to the attached home. The driver and three passengers escaped the vehicle without serious injuries, and the driver was arrested at the scene.
Fortunately, the occupants of the home were away at the time of the accident, so no injuries were reported. Nevertheless, the driver now faces second degree DWI charges, meaning authorities believe multiple aggravating factors were present at the time. A conviction for this charge may mean thousands in fines and significant time in jail. Minnesota drivers in similar circumstances would be wise to begin building a solid DWI defense as early as possible with the help of an experienced attorney.
