Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Friday February 28, New Milford Police responded to reports of a one-car accident in the early morning hours. The crash occurred near Paper Mill Road on Route 202 (Litchfield Road), according to a Connecticut news blog CTnews.com.
When officers arrived on the scene they found a 2010 Honda Accord with the driver standing outside the vehicle. 27-year-old Jade Pignatello was not injured, although a passenger was pinned inside and had to be extricated. Neither of the two had to be taken to the hospital.
Police interviewed the driver and the passenger and performed an investigation; Pignatello was given a field sobriety test, and subsequently arrested. She was charged with traveling too fast for road conditions, operating a motor vehicle while using a hand-held device, making a restricted turn, and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. She is scheduled to appear in court on March 10, and was released on a $500 bond.
Snow and ice were reportedly on the road at the time of the crash; the road was temporarily closed while the vehicle was removed from the crash site.
Michigan DUI defense attorneys know that being arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is serious, and should not be taken lightly. In Michigan, the penalties for a first-time offender if convicted include up to 93 days in jail, fines of up to $500, license suspension up to six months, driver responsibility fees, community service, and more.
Second and subsequent offenses, or a high BAC offense, will leave the defendant facing criminal penalties which are even more serious. Defendants may also face employment, immigration, and insurance consequences; a criminal record may impact your current career or future employment opportunities.
Regardless of whether it is a first offense or you have been convicted of driving under the influence in the past, it is critical that you speak with a highly experienced Michigan DUI lawyer who will work to minimize the damage, or have charges dismissed or reduced when possible. Take action immediately to protect your legal rights and freedom.