As a DWI attorney in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, I’ve seen many drunk driving accidents over the years. One such crash caught my attention recently, however, with a shocking fatality.
A Luling man has been charged with DWI after a wreck that killed St. Charles Parish deputy sheriff Jeff Watson. The grand jury has indicted the defendant, however, deciding not to charge him with causing Watson’s death.
According to The Times-Picayune, toxicology reports indicate that the driver’s blood alcohol level was .10 at the time of the wreck. The legal BAC in Louisiana is .08.
The driver is being charged with a first offense DWI.
Louisiana state police investigated the wreck, finding that the driver’s speed may have been a factor in the collision. When driving on Paul Maillard Road in Luling, the driver hit Watson’s police car.
The crash forced Watson’s squad car into oncoming traffic, where it collided head-on with another SUV.
Watson was not wearing his seatbelt and was pronounced dead at St. Charles Parish Hospital.
It seems the driver may be lucky to only be charged with DWI, a misdemeanor in the state. In fact, Watson’s widowed wife calls the charge “an injustice,” believing the drunk driver was, in fact, responsible for her husband’s death. We will all be watching this case closely as it plays out.
If you have questions about this case or have been charged with a DWI in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, yourself, contact an experienced DWI attorney today for the help and guidance you need.
