News sources in New Jersey report that a 16-year-old teenager is facing multiple charges related to underage drinking and driving following an accident on Dec. 28. According to law enforcement officials, the alleged drunk driver suffered minor injuries in the crash and was subsequently transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment. The driver's identity has not been released because he or she is a minor.
The minor was behind the wheel of a 2004 Chrysler sport utility vehicle when the incident occurred at 1:15 a.m. on Allaire Road in Spring Lake Heights. Local police say that the SUV crashed into a stone wall, a tree and a fence before coming to a stop in the courtyard of the Ocean Aire apartment complex. Reports indicate that the initial impact took place east of Old Mill Road.
As a result of the alleged drunk driving incident, the teen has been charged with being an unlicensed driver, consumption of alcohol under the legal age and DWI, and reports indicate that additional charges may have also been filed. It is not known if the teen has a previous history of alcohol-related offenses. In New Jersey, however, even a first time DWI can potentially result in harsh consequences upon conviction.
New Jersey residents who find themselves in a similar situation may find it beneficial to consult a criminal defense attorney before responding to drunk driving charges. Upon examination of the evidence, the attorney may be able to determine whether police failed to follow proper procedures while administering field sobriety tests or violated required protocols during the arrest, which could possibly lead to a dismissal of the charges.
Source: NJ.com, "Teen Charged with DWI After Crashing SUV into Wall, Tree," Alex Napoliello, Dec. 28, 2015