It is never advisable for a driver to avoid stopping when a police officer initiates a traffic stop. Unfortunately, this nearly always leads to an additional criminal charge and could provide police officers in Utah with probable cause once the vehicle is stopped, which could complicate a driver’s criminal defense strategy. This could be the case for an individual facing being charged with DUI and eluding police.
According to reports, the driver of what was determined to be a rental car was acting “suspicious” to officers. It is unclear whether the officers made that vague determination during a traffic stop or while the vehicle was in motion. Either way, police say that the driver led officers on a chase at speeds up to 80 mph at times.
Officials say the chase that led officers through residential areas finally ended when the vehicle drove over spike strips placed in its path. Police conducted a search of the rental car and claimed to find drugs in the vehicle. The driver was taken into custody on suspicion of being impaired.
Regardless of the fact that the driver fled, he or she is still entitled to be presumed innocent if charged with DUI or any other infractions. Utah prosecutors will be tasked with proving to the satisfaction of the court that the individual is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It may appear that the person’s criminal defense team has a difficult task ahead, but a review of any evidence prosecutors intend to present at trial, and his or her contact with law enforcement officials could yield a viable defense.
Source: fox13now.com, “Suspect leads police on high-speed chase in rented Fiat, arrested in West Valley City“, Ashton Edwards, Sept. 16, 2014
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