Criminal charges for driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol are treated seriously in Louisiana, which is understandable. If police suspect someone of being a drunk driver, that individual will likely be stopped and questioned. Many times, field sobriety tests and a Breathalyzer test will be administered. If the driver fails, an arrest will likely follow.
One recent Louisiana drunk driving case actually resulted in two separate arrests. A driver was stopped by police who say he and other occupants of the vehicle were drunk. The driver was arrested, the vehicle impounded and the passengers were sent on their way by taxi.
Not long after all of this occurred, one of the passengers apparently decided that it would be a good idea to retrieve the impounded car and post bail for the incarcerated driver. Police say the woman then drive the vehicle to the police station to get her friend. However, police say she too was drunk and arrested her as well.
In both drunk driving cases, the accused individuals have certain rights relating to the circumstances of their arrests and the coming criminal proceedings. These include the right to challenge the procedures used to make the drunk driving determination in each instance, as well as the police procedures followed in the arrest and booking process. The burden of proof rests with government prosecutors to actually prove the formal allegations in court and beyond a reasonable doubt. Both accused individuals will likely rely upon criminal defense counsel to protect all applicable legal rights while focused on securing the best result attainable under the circumstances.
Source: theadvocate.com, “Slidell police: Woman accused of driving drunk to bail out friend booked on DWI earlier in night“, July 9, 2017