According to authorities with the North Greenbush Police Department, a woman was taken into custody on Dec. 23 for felony DWI and other charges following an accident. Reportedly, the accident occurred around 4:50 p.m. on West Sand Lake Road.
Officers responded to a report of a property-damage-causing one-car accident. Upon arrival, they allegedly found that the 47-year-old woman had run off of the road, striking a ditch before damaging property in a driveway and crashing into a telephone pole. The woman was not reported to be injured in the crash.
Police allege that the woman was intoxicated. Her license was apparently suspended at the time of the accident, and she was reportedly driving a vehicle without a required interlock ignition device. According to reports, officers found open bottles of alcohol as well. They transported the woman to the Rensselaer County Jail. At arraignment on the charges, her bond was set in the amount of $100,000 bail or bond. It is unclear whether the woman submitted to breathalyzer or blood testing as there are no reports regarding her blood alcohol content.
In order to prove drunk driving charges, a prosecuting attorney is required to prove his or her case against a criminal defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. The standard requires a much higher degree of proof than the probable cause standard police use to effect an arrest. As such, charges against a person are not to be considered as evidence that a crime was committed. People who are accused of drunk driving may benefit by requesting the help of a criminal defense attorney who practices in DUI cases. An attorney may be able to devise a strong defense strategy and either fight a case through motions hearings and trial or negotiate a favorable plea.
Source: News 10, “Woman accused of felony DWI after property damage accident”, December 24, 2014