With the holiday season upon us, people will gather for parties and events, many of which might include alcohol. But getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking is a dangerous act --one that could carry dire consequences. If a person is caught and suspected of drunk driving, they could face arrest. And if convicted, they could face penalties such as license suspension or license revocation. In the event of injuries, the penalties could be much worse.

A 71-year-old man was arrested Nov. 22 and charged with vehicular assault. According to authorities, the man allegedly struck a couple with his SUV as they were approaching the entrance of Walmart, located in Covington. A woman was pinned under the SUV, while her boyfriend rolled onto the hood of the vehicle, then fell to the ground. The couple was rushed to a local hospital.

The driver was taken to a local hospital for a mandatory blood draw to check his blood alcohol content level. Authorities believe alcohol was a contributing factor in the incident. If the driver is charged with an alcohol-related offense, it will be in his best interest to attain knowledge about his charges and the ramifications those charges might carry. The information will also help him determine the best approach to build a strong defense.

Drunk driving offenses that result in injuries to other people are taken very seriously by police and the courts. And while we can be quick to label those who are accused of DUI guilty, it's important to remember that not everyone is. Sometimes pedestrians don't follow traffic signals. A DUI defense attorney can help an individual fully understand his or her rights and options when facing a DUI charge.

Source: The Seattle Times, "Couple struck by SUV in Covington Walmart parking lot," Janet I. Tu, Nov. 22, 2012