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Local mayor-elect arrested for DWI and other allegations

On Behalf of | May 17, 2018 | Dwi |

Being arrested for driving while intoxicated in Rocky Mount and the surrounding areas can cause many problems. Not only can it have a negative impact on a person’s life with jail time, fines and a loss of driving privileges, but it can also hinder the personal and professional life. Making it even more complicated is when there are other charges lodged along with the DWI allegations. For those who are in a prominent position in the community, the aftermath can cause an immense amount of damage making it essential to have legal assistance to defend against the charges.

Robert L. Williams Jr., 53, who had just been elected mayor of Sharpsburg, was arrested for DWI, for having a concealed weapon, and related charges. The traffic stop was made shortly after 8 p.m. when a witness called law enforcement about a Dodge Ram truck that looked to be moving erratically. An officer found the Ram and followed it. According to the officer, the vehicle did not remain in its lane and a traffic stop was made. Mr. Williams was charged with DWI, failing to maintain his lane, resisting arrest, possessing a firearm after consuming alcohol and other charges. Mr. Williams’s blood-alcohol content was measured at 0.13. This is higher than the legal limit of 0.08. He had just won the election to be the new mayor of the town by seven votes.

Being arrested for DWI is bad enough, but when there are also weapons charges, it can cause long-term damage. For someone who is preparing to function as an elected official, an entire life and career can be upended. Many people are under the impression that there are few options to lodge a defense when there are DWI charges. This is not the case. It is possible that the traffic stop was made without justification. The testing procedures might have been faulty. The officer could have deviated from protocol. Or there could be a viable explanation for why the driver appeared to be under the influence.

With DWI and weapons charges, it is crucial to have legal assistance from an attorney who understands how to craft a strong defense. Given the list of problems Mr. Williams will face if he is convicted, he must discuss his situation with a legal professional as soon as possible and combat the charges.

Source: wilsontimes.com, “Sharpsburg mayor-elect faces DWI, gun charges,” Drew C. Wilson, May 9, 2018