Throughout the career of a Maryland DUI lawyer, it is likely to see examples of city officials accused for driving while intoxicated charges. However, a seven year police officer should know better. In recent weeks, an off-duty law enforcement official caused a fatal crash because he was driving while intoxicated.
According to investigative reports, Edward Stapinski, 40, drove his Mitsubishi Gallant more than eighty miles per hour over the meridian while driving on Interstate Highway 55 Sunday evening. Doing so caused his car to flip into oncoming traffic, and to hit a Toyota Camry head-on. The driver of the Toyota, Man K “Mike” Wong was killed as a result of the impact. When police arrived on the scene, Stapinski’s blood alcohol content was 0.223–three times the legal limit in the state of Illinois.
Prior to the crash, Stapinski was off-duty and drinking beer for about three hours. But at the scene of the incident, he refused a breathalyzer test. It was clearly apparent, however, that he had been drinking. According to witnesses on the scene he had “bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and a strong smell of alcohol.”
Stapinski has been charged with reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence for his involvement in the fatal car crash. In addition to having a $750,000 bond, he banned from driving and must surrender his passport and firearm identification card. If he is convicted, he could face anywhere from three to fourteen years in prison.
Facing charges of driving while intoxicated is an overwhelming and difficult process regardless of profession. Conviction of drunk driving charges will have life changing consequences including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best legal representation possible, it is important to contact an experienced and hard-working attorney immediately.
