Dad Drives Drunk, Crashes with UnBelted Child in Boston

Michael Tompkins, 40 of North Weymouth, Massachusetts, was arraigned yesterday morning in Quincy District Court with numerous Drunk Driving charges for driving while under the influence and crashing the car, all with his 6 year old, without a seat belt, in the car.

Tompkins allegedly rear-ended another vehicle last Friday, and then drove away from the scene. The woman whose minivan he hit, then followed him while calling the police. At his arraignment in Quincy District Court, prosecutors alleged that when he was stopped, Tompkins could not stand up without help from the police; slurred his speech; smelled of alcohol and admitted to drinking. Although Tompkins’ 6 year old daughter complained of some pain, it appeared that she was OK.

Held on with post bail bonds after his arraignment, Tompkins was charged with numerous Drunk Driving Charges, including DUI/OUI, 3rd Offense; Child Endangerment While Under the Influence of Alcohol; Failing to Properly Restrain a Child in a Vehicle; Failure to Stop for Police; Leaving the Scene of an Accident; and Driving to Endanger.

Massachusetts Child Seat Belt Laws:

In Massachusetts, all children under the age of 5 MUST be fastened and secured in a child passenger restraint unless the child measures more than 57 inches in height. If the child is between 5 – 12 years of age, and measuring greater than 57 inches in height, the child MUST be secured with a seatbelt.

Boston Criminal Lawyer Lefteris K. Travayiakis has extensive experience in defending persons charged with OUI/DUI and other Driving Offenses.

To schedule a Free Consultation and to discuss your case with a Boston Criminal Lawyer who can explain and protect your legal rights, Contact Us Online or call 617-325-9500.

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