Couple Still Picking up Pieces after Alleged Drunk Driver Plows into their Phoenix home

PHOENIX, AZ - An alleged drunk driver crashed in front of a Phoenix couple’s home earlier last month near 21st Avenue and Indian School in Phoenix, AZ.

Wade Lee Richards said he and his husband were awakened by a loud bang in the morning when they discovered a Hyundai SUV plow through their front room, almost entirely destroying it in the process. Richards said the scene reeked of alcohol. The couple said it was a room they had used as a creative studio and had set up for photography for his hair and make-up business.

"It's frustrating, and it's heartbreaking," Richards said of the damage. He estimates a monetary loss worth up to $8,000 of supplies and photography equipment being damaged. He said it was even more frustrating since the driver escaped without conviction and compensation. However, at the same time he said he is thankful no one was hurt and in an effort to create awareness and remind people about the hazards associated with drinking and driving, he created a YouTube video (see the link below) with footage of the accident. http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=9FTgAulUYmo

"This is a reminder that things are replaceable, but people are not," he says in the video. "If you are going to drink this in the holidays, have a designated driver."

Penalties for driving under influence (DUI) of alcohol or narcotics, which is considered a serious crime in the State of Arizona have significant implications on one’s family, social, and professional life. There is jail time, license suspension, one suffers from monetary loss as the DUI offender is mounted with expensive legal fees and hefty fines, time loss as it carries a mandatory requirement to attend DUI school, serve hours in community service or attach an ignition interlock device to the vehicle to stay sober. Penalties for second offenses are twice as harsh and tough, and third convictions are three times those for the first offense, with additional requirements added for community restitution.

A person in Arizona is convicted of a DUI if their blood alcohol concentration is reported to be 0.08% or higher. When the BAC is .15 or higher within two hours of driving, the crime is elevated to Extreme DUI. Fines and jail times are greatly increased.

It is advised that one calls a cab or asks a friend or family member to drive them home if they have consumed drinks following a party or social gathering.

If you see anyone or are even suspicious of anyone driving under influence of drugs or alcohol, please call 911 as this may potentially lead to car accidents that may prove fatal.