If a person is behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, that person may be charged with driving while intoxicated. This is true whether the driver is asleep or the car is in motion. A Minnesota man is facing serious legal repercussions after falling asleep while in a drive-thru line at a fast-food restaurant. The police who arrived on the scene stated that the driver was extremely drunk at the time of the incident.
Falling asleep behind the wheel
Restaurant employees notified police of the man when he came to the drive-thru line to order fries. It is not clear whether he was able to speak to employees, but they noted he had fallen asleep in his vehicle while in line. Another patron of the restaurant saw what was happening, and he was able to jump in the vehicle and put it in park as the driver was unable to do so.
When police arrived on the scene, they noted the driver was too intoxicated to do the standard field sobriety tests they would typically administer. They were able to obtain a search warrant for a chemical test of his blood. According to the police report, the driver admitted to consuming wine at an earlier point in the evening.
Protecting his interests
While the case against him is strong, this Minnesota driver retains the right to defend himself against all charges. He may benefit from seeking the guidance of an experienced defense attorney who can provide insight into his rights and options. If convicted, this driver could face penalties that may include time behind bars, significant penalties and loss of driving privileges.
