According to a representative from the Eau Claire Police Department, the Wisconsin State Patrol arrested a 48-year-old woman who was involved in the destruction of the city’s sign on Madison Street. The arrest took place where her vehicle stopped after moving westbound on Cameron Street.
According to the police report, the woman’s vehicle had entered the median on Madison Street and crashed into the sign. The force of the impact broke the upright portion away from its foundation. The woman left the accident scene and continued driving for a short distance until the damaged vehicle ceased to function. Police cited the woman for operating under the influence as well as speeding and other offenses.
The Eau Claire city manager said that the cost of repairs had not yet been determined. Repair costs will depend on whether the sign’s foundation can be salvaged. The city manager added that the city usually bills the owner of the car for the damage he or she caused.
Any person who has been accused of drunk driving could face multiple expenses, including fines, if a court convicts him or her on criminal charges. An attorney could inform an accused individual of the possible penalties and take action to defend him or her in court. To protect someone’s rights, an attorney might challenge the results of a field sobriety test if police officers failed to follow the correct procedures. A lawyer also could approach a prosecutor and attempt to negotiate a plea deal with reduced charges. If such an effort succeeds, the impact to a person’s driving record may be limited. He or she also may regain his or her driver’s license or avoid jail time.
Source: WEAU, “UPDATE: Driver arrested for OWI in crash that damaged City of Eau Claire sign“, Andrew Fefer, Nov. 6, 2017
