A Milwaukee man was arrested for his fifth drunk driving charge after law enforcement personnel found him passed out in his van. His driver's license was revoked at the time. The maximum sentence he could receive is seven years in custody along with $12,500 in fines and additional related expenses.
Police responded to a report of a vehicle parked with a running engine for half an hour. By the time they came to the scene, the engine was stopped. However, they allegedly found the man passed out with the keys in the ignition. He was difficult to awaken but admitted to the consumption of a couple of beers, according to reports.
Law enforcement personnel conducted field sobriety tests, which he failed. He told police that they were picking on him because of his low income and that he would not pay any money to the county. He added that he would continue to drive despite court directives. He was held in jail pending the payment of $5,000 bail.
While the defendant's blood alcohol content level was not released, he may have been above the legal limit based on the failed field sobriety tests. A conviction for a fifth drinking and driving offense could result in serious consequences for the man. Not only will he be legally prohibited from driving, but he could suffer hefty fines and incarceration. A drunk driving defense attorney in a case such as this can represent his client's interests and do what he can to minimize the charges and any potential punishment.
Source: Mount Pleasant Patch, "Man Passed Out in Van Charged With 5th OWI," Joe Petrie, Oct. 24, 2012
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