Was New Mexico’s District Attorney Let Off the Hook for DWI?
Car accident attorneys in Albuquerque, New Mexico point out that her driving was described as “swerving like crazy,” and her behavior displayed the inability to stand up straight when police officials in New Mexico stopped 6th Judicial District Attorney Francesca Estevez. It was June 11th when Estevez was pulled over and possibly intoxicated, and it was June 11th when she re-entered her vehicle and drove herself home. Now, Silver City and State Police say “they’re investigating what their officers did and did not do,” according to krqe.com.
With the constant increase of fatal accidents occurring on the roadways across each and every state in the U.S., whenever an individual is pulled over for reckless driving that may have been attributed to drinking or consuming controlled substances, certain measures are expected to be taken to determine whether or not the motorist in question has been driving while under the influence or another underlying factor has played a role in their careless ways.
Officers neglected to give Estevez a sobriety test which is generally a routine procedure.Car accident lawyers in Albuquerque note that while procedures are expected to be put into place when a person is a potential threat to other motorists or themselves, and could possibly cause an auto accident, something should be done to truly determine whether or not they are guilty of DUI or DWI.
The case in question has many perplexed as to why Francesca Estevez was permitted to get back inside her vehicle and drive herself home. According to video and audio footage, things aren’t adding up which is why State Police are “investigating one of its own.” The controversy lies in the audio that seems to be clear until the questioning comes in, which is when it becomes fuzzy and a bit unclear to make out.
Albuquerque, New Mexico car crash attorneys nearby point out that the officers in question were aware of Estevez’s reckless driving as a witness called 911 to report it. After pulling the Estevez’s vehicle over, she was stumbling and “struggling to walk,” although she claims her flat tire is what caused the swerving to occur. The audio does catch one officer saying “She’s loaded. She almost fell down.” The two officers continue to discuss whether they smell alcohol and whether or not they believe prescription medication is what has caused her to engage in such behavior, but then the audio becomes “difficult to hear at times.”
Estevez was released to go home even after police believed she was intoxicated.Perhaps what has many questioning the legalities of this situation is when one officer suggests they let her go. The discussion continues, Estevez’s flat tire is repaired, and she is permitted to drive herself home. Whether or not she was intoxicated is unknown, but the true concern lies with a questionable driver allowed back on the roadway and the “privileged” treatment she may have received.
While much uncertainty lies in this story, one thing is for certain, and that is if you encounter an accident caused by a negligent motorist, it is highly recommended you reach out to a car crash lawyer at The Law Office of Brian K. Branch who specialize in car accident cases in New Mexico.