In New Mexico a person can be charged with DUI or DWI even when they are not actually driving. Many people find this hard to believe, but if a person gets into his or her car and chooses NOT to drive but rather to sleep it off in the car or wait in the car for a ride, they can still be charged with DUI or DWI.
In 2010 the New Mexico Supreme Court somewhat limited the prosecutions ability to win guilty verdicts on these DUI /DWI cases by requiring the prosecution prove: “actual physical control of a vehicle” and a “general intent to drive.”
For a jury to determine whether an individual is in actual physical control of a vehicle, the following factors can be considered:
- Whether the vehicle was running;
- Whether the ignition was on;
- Where the ignition key was located;
- Where and in what position the driver was found in the vehicle;
- Whether the person was awake or asleep;
- Whether the vehicle’s headlights were on;
- Where the vehicle was stopped;
- Whether the driver had voluntarily pulled off the road;
- Time of day;
- Weather conditions;
Keep these factors in mind if you are ever inside a vehicle while intoxicated.
The attorneys at McGraw Law & Associates have won successful verdicts on many DUI / DWI cases. If you need help with your case, you can contact the law office at: (575) 323-1529
Las Cruces, NM