Georgia Driver Suspected of DUI Kills 3-Year-Old

One child is now dead and another remains in serious condition after a motor vehicle crash that occurred in North Georgia on Saturday, March 23. The accident occurred around 3 p.m. on I-85 in Banks County, Georgia, according to the Georgia State Patrol.

Two vehicles were stopped on I-85 because of backed up traffic as a result of another accident further up the road, near mile marker 153. A Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck slammed into the rear of a Toyota Corolla. The impact forced the Corolla off of the shoulder and into the median. The Dodge Ram continued forward and hit another vehicle, a Honda Accord. Four adults in the different vehicles suffered injuries of various kinds, but none of these injuries were considered life-threatening.

As a result of the accident, a 3-year-old in the Toyota Corolla was taken to Northridge Medical Center in Commerce, Georgia, but later died while undergoing treatment. A 7-year-old child who was also riding in the same Toyota Corolla was taken to Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital in Athens, Georgia with serious injuries. The 7-year-old is expected to recover.

The truck was driven by Charles Raymond Evans of Toccoa, Georgia. He is alleged to have been intoxicated at the time of the accident. He now faces charges of:

• felony vehicular homicide;
• felony serious injury by vehicle;
• driving under the influence;
• reckless driving;
• following too closely; and
• driving with an expired tag.

If you or someone you care about has been involved in an accident as the result of a suspected DUI, an experienced Georgia DUI attorney is here to help. You do not have to face this process alone.

Accidents as the Result of DUI

When a person drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is not uncommon that a motor vehicle accident can occur. These accidents can range from minor fender benders to the kind of case Charles Raymond Evans now faces, with a death, serious injuries, and lots of criminal charges, including felonies.

When an accident occurs, the law enforcement officer or officers on the scene are required to aid any drivers or passengers who may be in distress, injured, or frightened. Also, a part of the officer's job is to investigate the cause of the accident. He or she will look for clues as to what caused the accident, and officers are always on the lookout for signs of intoxicated driving.

False Positives

As is often the case, when an officer assumes facts to be true he or she is likely to "find" them. When an officer assumes a person is intoxicated he or she will often "see" things that are not there, or that an objective person would not believe demonstrates intoxication.

These officers often rush through the process and do not investigate properly. These shortcuts may be the basis for a legal defense which could reduce your charges or even cause them to be dismissed.

Consult an Experienced Georgia DUI Attorney

No matter the situation in which you find yourself, never assume that you are guilty. An experienced Georgia DUI attorney can defend your case and protect your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.