A 23-year-old Connecticut man is facing various charges after allegedly hitting a police cruiser while intoxicated. According to reports, the East Haven man was driving on New Haven Avenue in the early hours of July 19 and allegedly crashed into a parked police car. When the officer went to investigate the crash, he believed that the man had been drinking and administered a Breathalyzer test. According to police, the test result showed that the man's blood-alcohol level was elevated, but the exact blood-alcohol content was not released.
The 23-year-old was charged with driving without insurance, failure to drive right and driving while under the influence of alcohol. Bond was set at $500, and the 23-year-old reportedly posted the amount and was free until his next appearance in Milford Superior Court on Aug. 14.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never a good idea, but it doesn't mean that those accused don't deserve another chance. There are procedures that must be followed with the administration of any field sobriety or Breathalyzer test, and if those were not performed correctly by the arresting officer, the results of the test may be able to be challenged in court.
DUI defendants may also have other options, including a plea bargain, where they may be able to get jail time suspended if they are willing to undergo treatment. There are many influencing factors, including whether this is a first offense, that go into these kinds of cases. Defendants who take the time to understand the charges and the available defense options have a better chance at protecting their rights.
Source: Milford Patch, "East Haven Resident Charged With DUI After Hitting Milford Police Cruiser" Brian McCready, Jul. 21, 2014