A woman in Chatham is facing criminal charges following a car accident on Aug. 2 that police believe was predicated on intoxication. New Jersey authorities in Chatham Boro arrested her on suspicion of drunk driving after the accident. She was released into the care of a family member pending a court appearance, which has not yet been formally booked. It is unknown if she is represented by a defense attorney at this time.
Authorities did not elaborate on the exact nature of the car accident other than to say they responded to reports of a motor vehicle crash involving two cars, one of which was driven by a 43-year-old Livingston resident. Officers interviewing her at the crash site said they had reason to believe she may be intoxicated, and so administered field balance tests. It appears she failed these tests as she was arrested and taken to the Madison Police Department.
A breath test was administered and she was transported to a second location to complete processing. She was formally charged with driving under the influence, as well as reckless driving, assault by automobile and failure to keep to the right side of the roadway. The other driver was examined at the scene but refused medical treatment.
Thankfully no one was injured in this accident, but drunk driving charges are still very serious. If she is found guilty, she could face the loss of her license as well as fines and even jail time. However, she will be represented in a New Jersey court by a criminal defense attorney who will carefully review the outcome of the sobriety tests as well as the record of her arrest to assess whether her rights were observed throughout the process. This is a critical part of building a strong case in her defense.