A North Carolina driver is facing DWI charges after being involved in an accident. The woman was reportedly driving north when she traveled onto the road shoulder. Sensing her mistake, she overcorrected and crossed over the center line of traffic. Her vehicle then went off the road on the opposite side and overturned. After officers responded to the crash, they charged her with DWI.
The woman was ejected from the vehicle, reportedly because she was not properly secured inside of the vehicle. Witnesses stopped and rendered aid. One provided the woman a blanket and another stayed while authorities were contacted. The driver was transported to a local hospital, but she did not sustain any life-threatening injuries.
Authorities believe she may have also been under the influence of illegal drugs, although they have not specified which type. She is now facing two other charges in addition to the DWI, specifically failing to stay in her lane and for not being properly restrained in the vehicle. There is no word on whether she is still hospitalized.
It is one thing to be accused of DWI in North Carolina. It is quite another to be convicted. Though a conviction can result in serious penalties, it cannot occur unless a prosecutor is able to prove every element of the crimes charged in court and beyond a reasonable doubt. The burden of proof is that of the prosecution alone, and if competent evidence cannot be produced in accordance with our laws and procedures, this woman cannot be convicted. She will have every opportunity to present a defense that challenges testimony and evidence offered against her as she fights for the most favorable outcome possible.
Source: Star News Online, “Driver charged with DWI after rollover on River Road,” Brian Freskos, Jan. 22, 2013
