New Testimony in Linden Officer’s Fatal DUI Crash Case
On March 20, 2015, former Linden police officer Pedro Abad left a strip club, reportedly drunk, in the early hours of the morning, and proceeded to drive the wrong way down the West Shore Expressway, subsequently crashing into a truck, killing two passengers, and critically injuring a third. The deceased passengers include fellow Linden police officer Frank Viggiano, and Linden resident Joseph Rodriguez, the injured passenger being another Linden officer, Patrik Kudlac. Kudlac was later forced to resign because of the severity of his injuries, and driver Abad was fired from the Linden police force.
During the trial, where Abad is being charged with multiple counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter, and drunk driving, the manager of the strip club where the group spent the night testified that Abad consumed two alcoholic drinks and a bottle of water before leaving the establishment. Mr. Ford, the manager, read from Abad’s credit card receipt of the evening in question, showing that Abad also bought several drinks for bartenders and dancers at the club, spending a total of $103.
Abad allegedly had a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit (.08%), but is pleading not guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and manslaughter charges. Prosecutors are trying to use the manager’s testimony to establish evidence of intoxication, as Abad’s lawyer is expected to challenge the blood evidence on grounds that the police failed to follow the proper procedures during the testing.
The manager further testified that Rodriguez, one of the deceased passengers, also spent $300 on a bottle of vodka at the club. Ford also stated that, while Abad did not appear drunk, Rodriguez did, and admitted that the club is being sued on behalf of relatives of the deceased passengers Viggiano and Linden.
The bar is being sued under New Jersey dram shops laws, which state that establishment owners and bartenders have a responsibility to not let drunk customers drive home from their establishment. Ford finally testified that it is possible that Abad could have purchased other drinks with cash, of which there would be no receipt or evidence.
DUI/DWI in Union County, NJ
This tragic case is just another example of the dangers of drinking and driving. DUI/DWI penalties are strict in order to deter potential drunk drivers, and if you have been charged with a DUI it is critical that you retain the counsel of an experienced Union County DUI lawyer. In many cases, the officer’s testing procedure or the equipment they use can produce false or inaccurate results, and there is no reason you should put your future in such jeopardy for a crime you didn’t commit.
Loss of license, heavy penalties, and even jail time are all realistic penalties, even for a first time offense DUI. For these reasons, it is extremely important that you protect your future by speaking with a knowledgeable Linden, NJ DUI attorney to help ensure your rights are protected, and the evidence presented against you is accurate and legal.
Contact a Linden DUI/DWI Attorney Today
At The Law Office of Edward S. Cooper, we have extensive experience defending clients from drunk driving charges across Linden, Elizabeth, Westfield, and the greater Union County area. We listen closely to our clients and work hand-in-hand to achieve the best possible outcome for any situation. DUI charges in New Jersey are serious, and you need serious legal representation to protect your rights when charged with a Union County DUI.
To speak with Edward Cooper today in a confidential consultation regarding your case, please contact us online or through our Linden, NJ office at (908) 481-4625.
