Drivers in Tennessee who are charged with alcohol-related offenses are typically apprehended by some commonly known methods. Roadside checkpoints, erratic driving and car accidents most often come to mind. A Smithville man recently had numerous charges filed against him, including drunk driving, after allegedly bringing attention to himself by asking a state trooper for directions.

The trooper says that the man stopped to ask him for directions on Interstate 40 near mile marker 295. The trooper claims that he observed a canned alcoholic beverage in the 27-year-old man’s car. He also alleges that the man’s eyes were red and watery and that his speech was slurred.

The trooper asked the man to stand in front of his patrol car, but it is alleged that he got into his vehicle instead and fled the scene. Driving westbound, the man is said to have crashed near mile marker 294 after a tire on his car blew out, but he continued on until his vehicle was disabled after driving over a spike strip on Highway 70 in Cookeville. The man purportedly exited his vehicle and fled on foot, but was apprehended after a short chase.

Charges have been filed against the man that include driving under the influence and having an open container in his vehicle, along with several moving violations. He did submit to a blood draw to determine the level of intoxicants in his system at the time of the event. He also is alleged to have admitted that he was wanted on charges in another Tennessee county.

It is not uncommon to have drunk driving allegations accompanied by others related to the effects of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Each individual charge can possibly add to the jail time and fines levied against a man or woman if they are found guilty in a Tennessee criminal court. Navigating the court system is challenging and can be made more difficult when multiple charges are involved. A criminal defense attorney can help a client potentially reduce or eliminate the charges by examining all aspects of the case, then organizing and presenting the strongest possible defense for a favorable outcome.

Source: wjle.com, “Smithville Man Arrested for DUI after Asking Trooper for Directions“, Jan. 27, 2017