Two family members were arrested in the same night late last month. A man was arrested for drunk driving just outside of Columbus. It was his first time charged with drunk driving, which is a misdemeanor. He called his father for a ride home, and police allege the man was also drunk driving when he was driving to pick up his son.

Although drunk driving is a serious charge, it is important to remember that even though the man's father has had multiple drunk driving related arrests in the past, the man with a first time charge deserves fair treatment. Because reports likely mention both the father and son, it is important to remember that the charges the father faces are separate from the son.

Since the father has been charged with drunk driving multiple times in the past, according to The Columbus Dispatch, the man will likely face felony charges for this recent arrest. This means he could face more than a year in prison. The son was only charged with a first-offense drunk driving charge, which means he could face up to six months in jail.

Because both people were arrested separately, and the charges are of each individual it is important that one person's charge isn't taken into consideration during the other person's legal proceedings. People arrested for drunk driving in Columbus might be wise to speak with a criminal defense attorney. A rigorous defense might help ensure your rights are preserved throughout the legal process.

Source: The Columbus Dispatch, "Father, son share common bond: same-night drunken-driving charges," Mary Beth Lane, Jan. 20, 2012