Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Friday morning at approximately 3:30 a.m., a New Jersey man was charged with driving while intoxicated after police found him sitting in his van in the loading dock area of a Target parking lot drunk and with the engine running, according to news reports.
Lt. James Macintosh of the Riverdale police department said that they had received a report of a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot. The van was running, the headlights on, and the music blaring. The driver of the vehicle, 23-year-old Brian Chellis, was sleeping. According to Macintosh, Chellis was wearing an ‘Elf on the Shelf’ costume. After waking Chellis, Macintosh said that he detected a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, and that there was an open can of beer in the vehicle. Chellis was also allegedly confused about where he was.
Police conducted a series of field sobriety tests, then took Chellis to police headquarters to undergo a breath test. He was issued a summons before being picked up by a family member. Chellis had apparently attended a holiday party and consumed a bit too much Christmas cheer. He is facing DWI charges in Riverdale, NJ.
Michigan DUI attorneys understand that during the holiday season, it is easy for those who attend parties at friends’ homes or hosted by employers to consume a bit too much alcohol. In a festive atmosphere where everyone is looking forward to Christmas, over imbibing isn’t unusual. However, it is important to make plans ahead of time, either to take a cab home, ride with someone who doesn’t drink, or stay at a friend’s home. If you intend to drink, never take the chance of driving yourself home after the party. As you can see from this example, it is simply too risky. You put not only yourself, but others’ lives in danger.
DWI charges should be taken very seriously, whether a first or subsequent offense. Penalties for those convicted include possible jail time and community service, fines, driver’s license suspension, probation, points on your driving record, and more. If you are arrested for driving under the influence, it is critical that you consult with a Michigan drunk driving lawyer immediately to protect your legal rights and minimize the damage.