A head-on collision ultimately ended in drunk driving charges for one man. Illinois police charged the alleged drunk driver with one DUI charge and two separate counts of aggravated DUI. Police also say that he did not have any car insurance and issued a citation for that as well as improper lane usage.
The wreck occurred shortly after 1 a.m., when a sheriff’s deputy was out driving. As he traveled on the eastbound side of a road, a 24-year-old driver who was heading westbound allegedly crossed over the center median separating the two sides of the road. The two vehicles hit head-on. Although both vehicles were seriously damaged in the wreck, neither the alleged wrong-way driver nor the sheriff’s deputy were seriously injured, although both did receive treatment for minor injuries.
The driver reportedly fled the scene of the accident on foot, but the deputy apparently was able get out of his vehicle and apprehend him. At that point they were both taken to the hospital, and the driver was later released into police custody. It is not clear how police determined that he was under the influence at the time of his arrest, although Breathalyzer or blood tests are common methods for measuring blood-alcohol content.
A DUI charge is a serious criminal matter in Illinois. Defendants can potentially lose their driving privileges, pay large fines and even spend time behind bars. Being as prepared as possible is essential, as it can help a defendant move forward in a manner that will help him or her secure the best possible outcome.