A man identified as the underage grandson of Ward Crutchfield, a former Tennessee senator who is now deceased, was recently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. In addition to DUI charges, he also faces charges alleging that he fled from the scene of an accident and caused property damage as he did so. It would be in his best interests to engage criminal defense counsel as soon as possible to combat the charges.
Reports from the Tennessee Highway Patrol indicate that the young man hit a pedestrian and several vehicles. He is accused of speeding away from the scene. Troopers claim that when the vehicle believed to be involved in the accident and its driver were found, the man behind the wheel appeared to be intoxicated.
Allegedly, the driver's speech was slurred, his eyes were bloodshot and he smelled of alcohol. Supposedly, a search of the vehicle revealed a substance believed to be marijuana in a pill bottle. No report was provided as to whether any field sobriety tests or breath tests were performed at the scene prior to the man being arrested.
Before the man can face any penalties in connection with this incident, it will be up to prosecutors to prove his guilt to the court beyond a reasonable doubt. His criminal defense team will have the opportunity to review any of the evidence prosecutors intend to present to the court regarding the charges, including the DUI charges. In order for any of that evidence to stand up in court, it must first be proved that law enforcement officials followed proper policies and procedures in their contact with the driver, along with any supposed evidence. If any mistakes were made, the court could rule the evidence inadmissible, which would affect whether the charges could stand.
Source: newschannel9.com, "Late former TN State Senator's grandson arrested on DUI charges", Alyssa Spirato, June 19, 2016