On Friday evening November 14, 26-year-old Jakita Brown was arrested following an accident in Terre Haute in which she rear-ended a pickup truck. According to the Indy Star, three children were riding in Brown’s vehicle when the accident occurred. Police suspected her of driving drunk, and took Brown to the Vigo County Jail.
Brown was driving a 2004 Hyundai SUV when she struck a GMC pickup stopped at a red light, according to preliminary investigations. The force of the impact resulted in the pickup truck being forced onto U.S. 41, however no injuries were reported.
The trooper who arrested Brown noticed signs of intoxication and an odor of alcohol. A breath test also indicated Brown’s BAC to be .248, more than three times the legal limit in Indiana of .08. Brown’s three children who were in the vehicle at the time of the accident include a one-month old, a 5 year old, and a 7 year old. She faces preliminary charges of three counts of neglect of a dependant, three counts of operating while intoxicated-endangerment, operating while intoxicated with a passenger under 18, driving without a valid driver’s license, and other traffic infractions.
The children were checked by emergency medical personnel at the scene of the accident before being released to the custody of their father.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a serious crime in every state today. While the penalties may include jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, community service, and other punishment depending on whether it is a first, second, or subsequent offense, putting children’s lives in danger makes the situation far more serious.
Anyone who is suspected of driving under the influence should consult with an aggressive and capable Michigan DUI defense attorney before answering police questions. Even if you were not involved in an accident and have no passengers in the vehicle with you, the consequences are serious. You have legal rights that must be protected. Invoke your right to remain silent, refuse roadside breath tests, and contact a lawyer immediately.