New Jersey Cop Charged With DWI And Assault By Autos
A police officer in Plainfield is in trouble after he reportedly crashed into two other vehicles while he was driving drunk on the highway. According to a news report in the The Star Ledger 38-year-old Rodney Sanders has been charged with third-degree assault by auto in the July 31 incident. Officials say his blood alcohol level was almost thrice the legal limit.
According to the news report, the officer was driving a 1999 GMC Yukon Denali on the highway when he struck the rear of a pickup truck. Police reports say that as Sanders then tried to pass that truck, he hit another car. Drivers of both cars struck by Sanders were injured and one of them was seriously injured. Sanders, who was not seriously injured, refused medical services on the scene. But he failed field sobriety and breath tests, the news article states. He was then arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. Sanders’ blood alcohol level was reportedly 0.23 percent. The legal limit in the State of New Jersey is 0.08 percent.
There is no question that this officer is in big trouble. He was obviously not on duty at the time of the incident, but the serious nature of the incident and the allegation of driving under the influence of alcohol and assault by auto elevate the nature of the charges and put his law enforcement career in serious jeopardy.
It is interesting and surprising that the officer agreed to take field sobriety tests. A lot of people don’t understand that you DO NOT have to take these tests although an officer who pulls you over may ask you perform them. Many people tend to be confused or misled about their rights in such situations. But it is surprising that an experienced police officer who may have himself arrested many people on suspicion of driving under the influence, actually agreed to perform field sobriety tests.
The best course of action when you have been accused of DWI is to seek the help of an experienced attorney. At Lependorf & Silverstein, we have an excellent track record of winning acquittals as well as reducing charges and penalties for our clients. The worst thing you can do is plead guilty without examining your options. Don’t walk into such a trap with your eyes open. Call an experienced DWI lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein for a free consultation.
