Whenever police pull over a vehicle on suspicion of drunk driving, there are certain circumstances under which police may file charges in addition to DUI charges. Recently in Tennessee, two parents were pulled over, and the female driver had DUI charges levied against her, along with additional charges. The additional charges came about as a child was found to be in the car.
The incident unfolded when witnesses told authorities that two people were allegedly seen under the influence at two different gas stations. At some point, police encountered the pair and said they were unsteady. They also report the two were slurring their words and drooling.
There was a baby found in the vehicle, and this led to a charge of driving under the influence with a child for the 33-year-old woman. She was also charged with driving with a revoked license. A 33-year-old man in the car was charged with possession of a controlled substance. He reportedly had 61 Xanax pills from a recently filled prescription that had 29 pills missing. Both were charged with child neglect.
In cases in which DUI charges are likely to be filed against a person and a child is on the scene at the time of an arrest, charges of child neglect may result, as in this Tennessee case. The additional charges can make it imperative for the arrested individual to understand that more serious criminal penalties may be possible if a conviction is obtained. With the help of defense counsel, one can, at the minimum, ensure that his or her rights will be protected throughout the criminal proceedings.
Source: wate.com, "Nashville parents charged with DUI, possession; arrested with infant", June 12, 2015