How Police Investigate Drunk Driving Accidents
When police respond to the scene of a car accident, they are not just looking to render assistance to anyone who has been injured. They are also looking for any evidence of drunk driving. And if an officer finds such evidence, the person identified as the driver may face serious criminal charges.
Case Study: Sanchez v. State
This recent case from Corpus Christi, Sanchez v. State, provides an apt example. One day, a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper responded to the scene of a two-car accident. The trooper spoke with one of the drivers, who claimed the other driver “failed to yield the right-of-way to her,” causing both vehicles to run off the road and into a ditch.
That other driver–the defendant in this case–and his passenger were seriously injured in the collision and required hospitalization. The trooper spoke with the defendant at the hospital.
Driver’s Arrest and Criminal Charges
According to the trooper, the defendant had a “strong odor of alcohol” on his breath. The defendant’s passenger told the trooper that he and the defendant “had a few” drinks just before the collision. The trooper later placed the defendant under arrest.
Defendant’s Argument at Trial
Prosecutors charged the defendant with third-degree felony DWI based on his prior record. At trial, the defendant argued the trooper lacked probable cause to arrest him.
Specifically, the defendant said there was insufficient evidence to prove he was actually “operating” a motor vehicle at the time of the accident. After all, the trooper did not personally witness the defendant driving, although on an affidavit in support of her request to take a blood sample, she indicated she had “observed the suspect … operating a motor vehicle.” This affidavit was later admitted at trial over the defense’s objection.
Jury Verdict and Sentencing
A jury ultimately found the defendant guilty. Based on the defendant’s status as a habitual offender–he had 9 previous DWI convictions–the trial court sentenced him to 40 years in prison. On appeal, the defendant renewed his objection to the evidence demonstrating he was the actual driver on the day of the accident.
Appeal and Affirmance of Conviction
The appeals court affirmed the defendant’s conviction. It noted the trooper had more than sufficient evidence to infer the defendant was driving. Both the driver of the other vehicle and the defendant’s passenger identified the defendant as the driver.
Furthermore, the trooper did find the defendant “unconscious” and “still wearing his seatbelt” in the driver’s seat of the car. And while the trooper did make an erroneous statement in her affidavit–i.e., that she personally observed the defendant operating the car–this alone did not justify reversing the defendant’s conviction.
Seek Legal Representation for a Felony DWI Case?
Call Tad Nelson & Associates Today!
If the police wish to interview you at the hospital following an accident, remember that you do not have to answer any questions or consent to a blood draw.
Anything you say can and will be used against you, particularly if the officer has any reason to believe alcohol played a role in your accident. That is why your best option is to remain silent and contact an experienced DWI accident attorney. Call the Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates in Houston, Galveston or League City today if you need immediate legal advice or representation.
