After an extensive investigation, a Peabody teenager whose car crashed into a house last month has recently been arraigned for driving under the influence of alcohol. As reported in Peabody Teenager Survives After Crashing into House and Catching Fire, Robert Habeeb, Jr.’s car exploded into flames after it crashed into a house . Firefighters were able to pull him from the burning sedan at approximately 2:30 a.m. on December 11. Habeeb was not seriously injured in the crash despite the crashes´ severity. He has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including operating under the influence of alcohol and reckless operation of a motor vehicle in the Peabody District Court. The 18-year-old Peabody High senior was additionally charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle, failure to yield, and failure to have an inspection sticker.
According to papers that were filed in court, a blood sample taken in the hospital after the crash revealed that Habeeb’s blood alcohol level was two-and-a-half times the legal limit. The State Police Lab sent the blood results to the Peabody Police Department last Wednesday. Before this more serious finding, Habeeb was issued a criminal motor vehicle citation after the accident for operating a motor vehicle recklessly so as to endanger. The records also revealed that Habeeb was traveling 109 miles per hour five seconds before the crash.
Peabody Police formally summonsed Habeeb with the charges filed against him this week while he was at school, including the operating under the influence of alcohol charge. Richard Chambers, Jr., Habeeb´s Lynnfield-based attorney, said that defendants are usually sent a summons in the mail at least two weeks in advance. Both Habeeb and his lawyer declined to say if he drinking or what his activities were on the night of the crash. He was not given a field sobriety test or a breathalyzer test on the night of the crash.
A spokeswoman for Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett’s office, Carrie Kimball Monahan, said that there is not a standard procedure to summon a defendant to court in Essex County. She said, “In this case charges were sought yesterday and the clerk issued an arraignment for today so he was served…It had to be done.”
Peabody Police spokesman Michael Crane said “An extensive investigation was conducted, the charges were filed accordingly based on the investigation.” He said that the Peabody Police led the investigation and worked together with members of the Massachusetts State Police Accident Reconstruction Team.
In a separate hearing after the arraignment, Judge Richard Mori ordered Habeeb not to consume any alcohol while the case is pending and he must take random alcohol tests. He must also adhere to an 8 p.m. curfew while the case is pending. Mori also ordered him to turn in his license to the court despite the fact that the Registry of Motor Vehicles has already suspended Habeeb’s driver’s license.
If you have been involved in a road accident, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Massachusetts car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Source:
Peabody teen charged with OUI in crash at Herrick Road home , www.boston.com, January 11, 2012
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If you have been in a car accident, an experienced Massachusetts accident lawyer can advise you.