On December 12th, a normal traffic stop leads to a Terre Haute, Indiana resident being arrested for a felony-level DUI. The man refused to participate in a field chemical test at a traffic stop, and the Indiana State Police officers made the arrest.
The traffic stop took place on December 12th around 8 p.m. and was facilitated by Indiana State Police Trooper, Gerald Stump. The man stopped was Roy Haight, a 62-year-old man. Haight was driving on a suspended license but was also under the influence. At the scene, the driver refused chemical tests and was immediately taken into custody. Haight was processed into the Vigo County Jail that same evening.
Now, Haight faces charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated or OWI, which is the formal term for a DUI. In addition to his prior charge, he now faces an OWI with endangering a person, and driving while suspended. These are two misdemeanor charges and a level 6 felony.
The State Police announced that the initial pullover was because the officer identified the owner of the vehicle, Haight, had a suspended license. The suspicion was operating while suspended, which was confirmed at the scene.
Haight will not face these charges, and the possible extent of Indiana law for multiple OWI violations if found guilty. With prior charges and an OWI conviction within the last five years, the review of the case and possibly the sentencing would not be forgiving.
As a second or possibly third offense Haight could face between 5 days or up to 3 years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines. Not to mention the additional costs of an ignition interlock installation, community service hours, and alcohol abuse classes or treatment programs. There is also the possibility of having to take the label of a habitual traffic violator. If you have been convicted of a DUI, contact our Indianapolis DUI defense lawyers today.
Source: https://wslmradio.com/2019/12/13/traffic-stop-leads-to-a-dui-felony-arrest/
