A relatively shocking case involving the possible breach of DWI laws by a very young boy came recently. Q13Fox.com reports that a 14-year-old boy was stopped and arrested on DWI charges after stealing a Pontiac from his grandmother. The boy, has been identified by KiroTV.com as Darren Olsen, Jr., he was first observed by state trooper as he weaved in and out of lanes at around 6:40am near a local mall. Mr. Olsen was also going 20 miles under the speed limit. When the trooper activated his flashing lights, Mr. Olsen increased his speed, engaging in a car chase with the trooper. The chase ended when Mr. Olsen careened into an apartment complex parking lot, where he destroyed five different vehicles that were parked there. He smashed some of the cars, while others projected off each other into other cars, creating damage. The entire chase lasted less than one mile before resulting in wreckage.
The State Trooper allegedly held Mr. Olsen and his passengers at gunpoint. There were four passengers in the car, including two 12-year-olds, a 15-year-old, and a 53-year-old man who claimed to be Mr. Olsen’s uncle. Two of the passengers were taken to a hospital to determine whether they had consumed alcohol. Police do not know why the man claiming to be Mr. Olsen’s uncle was riding in the vehicle with the young boys. Troopers believe that all of the occupants of the vehicle were intoxicated, except for one young boy.
Troopers note that the incident could have been much worse, citing that several young children were setting up a lemonade stand nearby. They speculate that if Mr. Olsen had taken a different turn, he could have plowed into the stand and the children, killing them. Luckily, that was not the case, and no one was seriously injured in the accident.
Troopers are currently still investigating the incident, and none of the passengers, have been charged yet. Mr. Olsen was arrested on suspicion of DWI, eluding and taking the Pontiac without his grandmother’s permission.
In New York, a special law called the “Zero Tolerance” Law applies to DWI cases involving drivers under the age of 21-years-old. Under the law, a driver under the age of 21 can be charged with violating DWI laws if his or her blood alcohol content is between .02% and .07%. A first offense can lead to the suspension of the driver’s license for up to six months, and monetary penalties. There is also a $100 fee for terminating the license suspension, and drivers may be required to enroll in the New York Drinking Driver Program, and to install an ignition interlock device.
If you are facing DWI charges, you should immediately seek out the assistance of an experienced attorney. Call the offices of Nave DWI Defense Attorneys today at 315-775-2775 for a confidential consultation. An Nave DWI Defense Attorneys attorney may be able to help negotiate your case with the prosecutor, or defend you in court.
The exclusive purpose of this article is educational and it is not intended as either legal advice or a general solution to any specific legal problem. Corporate offices for Nave DWI Defense Attorneys are located at 432 N. Franklin Street, Suite 80, Syracuse, NY 13204; Telephone No.: 1-866-792-7800. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.
