What to do if I got a DUI while driving my friend’s car?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What to do if I got a DUI while driving my friend’s car?
We were both drunk and he gave me the keys and asked me to drive. The arresting officer said he pulled us over because my friend’s license plate light was out. He’s threatening to sue me for the cost of the towing fees on his car even though I offered to pay for half of it. Does he have a case?
Asked on March 20, 2013 under Criminal Law, Washington
Answers:
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
He can certainly try to sue you, but you would have two valid defenses both based on the theory that he is contributorily responsible for the car being towed. First, if he had properly maintained his vehicle, there would not have been a basis for the traffic stop. The improper maintenance of his vehicle was not your responsibility. Second, if he had been sober, the police would have allowed him to drive the vehicle home instead of being towed. Even though you assumed the role of designated driver (though unsuccessfully), he was responsible for his own degree of intoxication. Considering that the events which resulted in his car being towed for partially his fault, your offer to pay for half of the fee is completely fair.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.