Miranda rights include the statement: “You have the right to remain silent.” It’s a statement often worth heeding as anything said to law enforcement personnel from that point forward could be offered as evidence in a criminal proceeding. Confessing to a crime without an attorney present could make an already difficult situation worse. Recently, one Pennsylvania woman allegedly confessed to drunk driving after she was arrested for an alleged hit-and-run accident.
Authorities were notified about a late night accident involving a compact sports utility vehicle and a pickup truck. When they arrived, the SUV appeared to have collided with the driver’s side of the pickup. The SUV was abandoned. A man, woman and baby were reported to have fled the scene of the accident. Reportedly, the woman had been driving.
The woman, her passenger and the baby were apparently found near a mall. Allegedly, the woman smelled of alcohol, and she was taken to have her blood tested. She apparently confessed to having consumed alcohol prior to driving, and her blood test registered at a .09, which is just above the legal limit. It is unknown if anyone, including the baby, was injured in the accident. The woman was arrested and formally charged with child endangerment, drunk driving, reckless endangerment and some traffic citations.
Anyone accused of drunk driving will likely benefit by involving legal counsel at the earliest possible opportunity. Fear and adrenaline can lead to conversations with law enforcement authorities that may result in unexpected consequences and additional problems. Pennsylvania attorneys familiar with the criminal justice system and local law enforcement procedures can help advise and advocate for clients during the beginning stages of a DUI investigation and throughout all following court proceedings.
Source: wfmz.com, “Police: DUI suspect ran from wreck with baby,” Edward Sieger, Oct. 3, 2017
