All people accused of a crime have certain rights. However, those without legal training may not be fully aware of their rights or the potential implications of certain decisions they make, such as talking with police without the advice of an attorney. Now, a man in Missouri is likely wondering what his legal options are after a warrant was issued for his arrest because police suspected he was drunk driving at the time he was allegedly involved in a wrong-way accident.
The incident that led to the warrant happened on Thanksgiving morning. According to reports, witnesses contacted police, informing them about a vehicle that was headed north in the southbound lanes. However, police claim that before they could arrive at the scene, there was a head-on collision involving two sports utility vehicles. Two people, a man and a woman, in a southbound vehicle reportedly died at the scene.
Police say that the man they believe was driving the wrong-way vehicle was in the driver seat with a bottle of alcohol in his lap, apparently unconscious, when they arrived at the scene. When he awoke, he reportedly agreed to speak with police officers, allegedly telling them that he had attended a party the night before where he consumed three alcoholic beverages before heading home. He claims that he could not remember stopping anywhere and was unsure why he was on that particular road as it was not part of his regular route home. He has been charged with manslaughter, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
The criminal justice system is complex, making it difficult for most people in Missouri to navigate without help. Fortunately, there are experienced professionals who can guide those accused of drunk driving and other crimes throughout the process. With such a person on their sign, those suspected or accused of a crime can have confidence that the decisions they make are fully informed.
Source: fox4kc.com, “Kansas City man accused in Thanksgiving wrong-way crash that killed 2 people faces manslaughter charge“, Michelle Pekarsky, Dec. 15, 2017