A man has the right to an Indian River criminal lawyer after striking a police officer head on with a vehicle. The officer did not sustain injuries. However, authorities suspect that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. As a result, the man may choose to have an Indian River DUI lawyer to fight charges that he caused an accident while driving drunk.

The officer says that he was stopped at an intersection. He said that he saw the vehicle moving a few houses away. He said that soon after, the vehicle was coming right at him. The officer reported that the driver was traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver struck him head on. The accident occurred at approximately 6 a.m.

The officer braced for the moment of impact. He said that his first thought was that the driver was either intoxicated or deliberately targeting the vehicle. In his 30 years of experience in law enforcement, the officer says that he has never experienced anything like it. He said that he is grateful that the driver did not strike another member of the public. He says he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

If the defendant retains an Indian River DUI lawyer, the attorney may ask for a copy of the dashboard camera that captured the incident. The defendant has a right to a trial on the charges against him. If convicted, the defendant may owe restitution to the victim as well as to the police department for damaged property.

A DUI charge can result in significant consequences for a person whether or not the charge involves striking a vehicle. Penalties for a DUI conviction may include jail time, fines, drug and alcohol assessments, community service and restitution. The defendant may be placed on probation for a period of time. The state may revoke their license to operate a motor vehicle.

However, even though DUI charges are some of the most common criminal charges, they are also some of the most complex. DUI charges involve gathering forensic evidence. This evidence is time-sensitive. The investigating officers must gather the evidence in compliance with mandated guidelines in order to ensure the reliability of the data they collect. Errors or careless work may result in information that is unreliable. An experienced Indian River criminal lawyer can assist the defendant in pointing out these errors to the jury.

If you or someone you know have been in a similar legal situation contact The Law Office of Jeffrey H. Garland, P.A. at 772.489.2200.