Falling asleep behind the wheel is dangerous and may also lead authorities to have increased suspicion of wrongdoing. Even if the vehicle is parked off the road at the time, if a call is placed regarding a possible drunk driver, police will come out to investigate the situation. A deputy chief with the local Emergency Medical Services is facing drunk driving charges following a recent incident in which he was found asleep in his vehicle in North Carolina.
Authorities claim to have received reports of a possible drunk driver at around 5:30 p.m. on a recent Friday. They assert that the individual who filed the report followed the driver, who eventually parked his vehicle in the driveway of a local residence. Police arrived at the scene soon thereafter, and claim the man was asleep behind the wheel while the vehicle was still running.
According to police, it took several minutes to wake the man, and a subsequent search of his vehicle allegedly uncovered an open container of alcohol. They also assert that subsequent tests indicated his blood alcohol content to be .23, which is just under three times higher than the legal limit to operate a vehicle. He has reportedly been place on administrative leave from work while awaiting further court proceedings.
Drunk driving charges carry severe penalties if a conviction is obtained. Those who face similar charges may wish to protect themselves, potentially prompting a need to seek assistance from an experienced attorney. An attorney can advise a client in North Carolina of the consequences he or she may face and assist in pursuing the most favorable outcome possible during legal proceedings.
Source: gastongazette.com, "GEMS deputy chief faces DWI charge", Kevin Ellis, Nov. 13, 2017