It doesn’t matter who you are, if you drink and drive, you could be facing serious consequences as a result.
That is the case for an Allegheny County judge who allegedly drove under the influence and was arrested by state police over the 4th of July holiday weekend.
According to authorities, Christine Ward, 58, of Shadyside, was arrested during a traffic stop after an off-duty deputy observed her driving erratically on Route 28 on Sunday.
The deputy pulled Ward over at a gas station on Fox Chapel Road and then called the incident in.
Ward had been driving a black Mercedes and identified herself to the trooper. The trooper indicated that Ward had bloodshot and watery eyes and he detected an “extremely strong odor of an alcoholic beverage…emitting specifically from Ward’s breath.”
The judge also made “very slow, sluggish and methodical movements and she staggered as she walked,” according to the affidavit.
Ward allegedly had difficulty standing on her own and leaned on her vehicle as well as grabbing the trooper’s arm. When asked if she had anything to drink, the judge acknowledged that she had said “too much.”
The affidavit also stated that Ward fell during a field sobriety test.
Ward was arrested and charged with DUI, careless driving and other related violations.
Ward was taken to UPMC St. Margaret’s Hospital, where state police say she refused a blood test, three times.
Ward is due to appear in court to answer the charges sometime next month.
If you or a loved one is facing the charge of DUI or DWI, it is always a serious matter. A DUI conviction can mean jail time, heavy fines, higher insurance rates and other consequences. It’s very important that you choose an attorney who can defend you and your rights.
You need a lawyer who knows DUI defense law. The Law Offices of Steven E. Kellis is there to defend clients who are accused of DUI related charges.
Mr. Kellis has over 20 years of experience in DUI cases in the Philadelphia area, successfully representing clients who are accused of DUI. Even if you are currently in jail, Mr. Kellis will come to where you are and meet with you.
Contact us for your free consultation with an experienced PA DUI lawyer. We are available to answer your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.