DUI Charges Dropped Due to Medical Emergency
In many cases, what police officers think happened is a far cry from what actually did happen. Take the case of school bus driver in Tennessee. After swiping a gate and fence, officers found the man incoherent and slumped over the wheel, a nearly full bottle of prescription-strength seizure medication nestled at his side. With 26 students on board, officers wasted little time in charging him with driving under the influence (DUI), reckless endangerment and simple possession. He spent a night in jail and was removed from the school district’s roster of bus drivers. When the case went to trial, though, the charges were quickly dropped.
What Really Happened
The driver, 78, actually suffered a mini-stroke moments before the incident. One of the more commonly reported medical conditions from the stroke family, a mini-stroke can cause:
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Trouble speaking
- Balance issues
- Muscular weakness
About the pills? They belonged to the driver’s girlfriend and were filled earlier that day. She gave the bottle to the driver so that he would secure them at their home later.
The Outcome
When the case finally went to court, the judge granted requests from prosecutors that all charges be dropped. The driver’s attorney said, “It’s very commendable that the government would quit when they realized they do not have a case. There was no forensics involved that supported any theory for any charge whatsoever.”
Facing DUI Charges? Call The Oswalt Law Group So Your Rights Are Protected!
A charge of driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious one that could lead to jail time, heavy fines and loss of your license. It doesn’t have to be that way. Whether you’re guilty or not, you definitely need to expertise of a skilled defense attorney to ensure your rights are protected. Here at The Oswalt Law Group, our legal team will fight hard so that your charges are either dropped altogether or significantly reduced. Call us for a free consultation; our number is (602) 225-2222.