Questions about a friend's husband

[MrsG0529]

My friend's husband is an alcoholic. He has lost his license due to DUIs and has even spent quite a few weekends in jail. I saw him driving the other day. I know I should report him but my question is this...do I have to give my name when I report him? Do I actually have to see him doing it at the time to report him? I care about my friend but I also care about the safety of the people around her husband. I know that he has not stopped drinking and even if he HAD stopped, he still doesn't have a license. I also run into the dilemma that our town cop (yes, we have one) is my friend's husband's brother in law. I would think he would know it was going on. How would you handle this situation?

[antsinmypants]

you don't have to give your name.

The 911 operator will have your phone #, but doesn't give that out to anyone other than the relavent people needed IF they have to call you back.

[Hootmon]

I agree. An anonymous phonecall would be in order.

[Doobie56]

well it should be anonymous, but I know the police stations do have caller ID and of course 911 would too. Not sure what to tell you, but you should somehow call that in.

We were in that position with my FIL, he would drive and we were so worried he would hurt someone. He had already been in a couple of accidents and he was let off:freaked ....scarey. Well, he is gone now, he died from his years of drinking. dementia and many strokes put him in a very lonely nursing home. It was really sad. But you owe it to your community to call that in. What if it were one of your own children or family or friends that he (this time) seriously hurt? I don't think the family or you could live with that very easily could you? knowing he was drinking and driving again....and you didn't stop or at least try to stop it?

something to think about...hate for something like that to actually turn into a tragedy. :(:

[MarkD]

If you are concerned about called ID, call from a payphone.

But yes, I think someone should be notified.

It reminds me of the road worker that was killed by a man who had a suspended license (six times over!) for DUI.

These types of people will drive when and where they want no matter what, but there needs to be some sort of accountability when it is witnessed by others.

[MrsG0529]

When I call, what do I say? Would I have to actually SEE him doing it at the time I call? Or can I say, "I saw S--- W--- driving the other day. He has a suspended license."

[Jade]

Don't ask us, ask the police. Call them and tell them what you've told us. Let them make the decision on what action needs to be taken. They will tell you if you need to report it when you see him driving.

You are not tattling on him, you are potentially saving someone else's life. Whenever there is a DUI related accident, and a fatality is involved, it is usually the innocent victim, not the drunk, who is killed.

[KrispyKritter]

In order for the offense to stick legally the police would have to catch him at it, and he would have to flunk a breathalizer. Just your word on it wont fly because any two-bit lawyer will be able to get him off. The police wont make an arrest just on your word. They will assume you have some sort of beef with the guy, and ignore you. You may wish to set something up with the police... but you'll need to let them know who you are, and since you dont want to do that, there may be very little you can do.

Hopefully he will kill himself with his car before he kills someone innocent... like a mini-van with little kids in it.

[Ajani]

He wouldn't even have to be tested for alcohol if his licence is suspended. If you see him again, call immediately and let the police know where he is, which way he is headed, and what he is driving. Catching him behind the wheel will be enough.

[KrispyKritter]

Originally posted by Ajani
He wouldn't even have to be tested for alcohol if his licence is suspended. If you see him again, call immediately and let the police know where he is, which way he is headed, and what he is driving. Catching him behind the wheel will be enough.

My point was they have to catch him in the act.

[Jacob]

Originally posted by MrsG0529
My friend's husband is an alcoholic. He has lost his license due to DUIs and has even spent quite a few weekends in jail. I saw him driving the other day. I know I should report him but my question is this...do I have to give my name when I report him? Do I actually have to see him doing it at the time to report him? I care about my friend but I also care about the safety of the people around her husband. I know that he has not stopped drinking and even if he HAD stopped, he still doesn't have a license. I also run into the dilemma that our town cop (yes, we have one) is my friend's husband's brother in law. I would think he would know it was going on. How would you handle this situation?
Stephanie:
Every person has the constitutional right to confront their accuser in court, and to cross examine the witnesses. If you call the police and they have access to your name and phone number, they will in all likelihood subpoena you to testify in court to help build their case. 9-1-1 does furnish caller information to the police upon request.

If the town cop is this guy's brother-in-law, then my guess is that he might already know what is going on. Also, consider that you don't know all the facts. My suggestion would be is to ask your friend during conversation if her husband got his license back yet because you saw him driving.

[MrsG0529]

I know for a fact he has not gotten his license back and that he will never have a license in our state again.