Massachusetts child endangering charges common in OUI cases involving child passengers
Two motorists are facing Taunton OUI charges and allegations of child endangerment after being accused of driving while intoxicated with children in the vehicle, the Taunton Daily Gazette reported.
The two were arrested during separate incidents and will appear in Taunton District Court. Allegations of drunk driving that involve children frequently result in child endangerment allegations and are best handled by an experienced Taunton defense lawyer. Failure to properly handle either charge can result in significant consequences, including the involvement of child welfare officials in your affairs.
Massachusetts Child Endangering (Chapter 265: Section 13L) is punishable by up to 2 1/2 years in prison.
Stacy Bouthillier, 38 Raynham, is accused of attempting to flee the scene of an accident while driving with her 18-month-old infant. Police say she backed her car into another person at about 7:15 p.m. The accident happened on North Main Street as she attempted to turn into Briarcliff Apartments. As the other driver got out of her car in an attempt to trade information, Bouthillier put her car in reverse and backed into her, causing minor injuries.
She was eventually found in the area and arrested on charges of operating under the influence of alcohol, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, child endangerment while operating under the influence and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a motor vehicle).
In the second case, Carlos Ramos, 41, was arrested shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday after a trooper reported he was weaving across the double yellow line near Dean Street. Police say a breathalyzer examination showed a blood-alcohol content of .16, twice the legal limit. After pulling over his white van, police report he had six passengers, including four children ranging in age from 5 to 17.
Ramos was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, three counts of child endangerment while operating under the influence, three car seat violations, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a state highway traffic violation, a marked lanes violation and driving without a seat belt.