Woman faces jail after wild ride

A Toronto woman faces a six-month jail sentence after taking her friend’s four-year-old daughter without permission and going on a wild car ride. While driving under the influence, the woman caused two accidents. An Ontario Superior Court justice issued a statement expressing his desire for the court to send a clear message that those who drive while intoxicated must be dealt with harshly.

The child and her mother were visiting the accused woman’s house when the accidents took place. The mother left her child with the woman while she used the restroom. The child’s mother initially believed the two had gone to the store. However, the child’s mother became concerned when she noticed an empty Oxycontin bottle. At that point, the child’s mother contacted the police.

The accused woman’s minivan reportedly rear-ended a vehicle carrying elderly passengers, who were not injured. The woman refused to identify herself and offered the elderly driver of the vehicle money not to call the police. The woman then drove away. After continuing to drive erratically, more onlookers began to call the police. The woman struck another vehicle after crossing a center median, sideswiping the rear of a man’s car.

When police arrived on the scene, the woman was confused, unsteady and spoke with slurred speech. The woman began to fall in and out of consciousness and was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with a drug overdose. Toxicology results showed high levels of oxycodone and codeine in her system along with traces of methadone. The judge imposed a sentence of six months in jail and three years probation.

Facing a DUI charge can be frightening. The criminal court system is extremely complex, and laymen may not fully understand the nature of the charge and possible sentencing they may receive. A criminal defense attorney may be a helpful ally in navigating the criminal court system.

Source: thestar.com, “Woman jailed 6 months for wild drug-fuelled car ride with child“, May 03, 2013