When a person is taken into New Mexico police custody for suspected drunk driving, it is understandable that the individual might worry about facing charges and a possible subsequent conviction. However, the implications of a drunk driving arrest can take effect long before a case ever gets to court. In some situations, like that of a Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center officer, simply being arrested for DUI is enough to trigger loss of employment.
In this case, investigators say the officer’s blood alcohol content level greatly exceeded the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle. Her superiors issued a public statement, saying they hold all their employees to high standards both on and off duty. They further stated that, because of these standards, the officer was dismissed from her employment following the recent arrest.
Police had set up a roadblock just before the DUI arrest
The officer in question was approached by police officers when she pulled up to a roadblock they had set up after a collision. It was after 2 a.m. on a Saturday, and the patrol officer who approached the woman’s vehicle claimed to have smelled alcohol on her breath. Police say the woman admitted to having consumed several alcoholic beverages before getting behind the wheel. She failed a field sobriety test and was arrested for suspected DUI. Upon results of a chemical test, charges were elevated to aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol.
Building a strong defense is the key to a positive outcome
A situation may seem dire for a New Mexico motorist who has been charged with aggravated DUI. However, there may be criminal defense options available to help an accused individual mitigate his or her circumstances. The easiest way to determine which legal strategy is best is to ask an experienced defense attorney to review one’s case.