A drunk driving conviction can be exceedingly difficult to live down, especially in today’s age of heightened information access. Long after fines, potential jail time, and probation services are in the rear-view mirror, the besmirched reputation that accompanies DWI and DUI charges may continue to cast a shadow over a driver’s actions, even if a full conviction was never reached.

This Thanksgiving Day star St. Louis Cardinals third baseman David Freese was involved in a car accident that immediately raised suspicions of intoxicated driving, on account of his prior charges. Freese was not hurt following a collision with a tree after swerving to avoid hitting a deer in the road

Freese, 29, was travelling south on Wildhorse Creek Road in Wildwood when, at roughly 2:30 p.m. Thursday, his SUV crashed into the tree. No other vehicles were involved in the incident, and after multiple police cars arrived at the scene it was determined that no serious injuries were sustained by the Cardinal star and former World Series MVP.

Although investigators said that alcohol was not an attributing factor to the crash and attest “no other investigations are under way,” Freese’s checkered history of drunk driving-related incidents has given some pause as they receive news of the new crash. The Cardinal was arrested in December 2009 in Maryland Heights on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and was formally charged for DWI in November 2002, a conviction he avoided after accepting a plea deal and probation terms.

In Freese’s case, the Thanksgiving crash was most likely an innocent attempt to avoid hitting an animal in the road. However, the court of public opinion often continues to see DUI and DWI offenders as guilty long past their charges have been addressed. In order to maintain a clean reputation and public image, a swift “not guilty” verdict is essential for those facing drunk driving charges. A DWI attorney can be an invaluable resource in the effort to maintain a clean record.

Source: STL Today, “Freese unhurt after crashing SUV,” Joel Currier and Derrick Goold, Nov. 24, 2012

• Our firm can help to minimize or eliminate the lasting effects of a drunk driving charge. For information on how to avoid strict sentencing, contact our St. Louis DWI law page.