Drunk Driving Arrest: It Can Happen to You

Anyone can be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. A glass of wine at happy hour can subject you to stiff fines and penalties once you get behind the wheel. Being arrested does not make you a bad person, but merely shows the lapse in judgment you may have made.

Recently, Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps got another drunk driving arrest. Law enforcement officials claim Phelps was speeding when they pulled him over and failed a series of field sobriety tests. Phelps was charged with a DUI, excessive speeding, and for making illegal lane changes. Phelps immediately acknowledged the arrest and issued a statement apologizing for his conduct. He made a lapse in judgment and is now suffering the consequences.

“Earlier this morning, I was arrested and charged with DUI, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines,” Phelps said in the statement. “I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility. I know these words may not mean much right now but I am deeply sorry to everyone I have let down.”

Celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio was also arrested and charged for a DUI. He was pulled over in early June and taken into custody. Voltaggio recently pleaded guilty and was subjected to one year probation as well as being ordered to attend a victim-panel with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

The above incidents demonstrates how anyone can make a bad decision and subject themselves to a DUI. It is imperative that you contact a drunk driving attorney immediately upon being arrested. A drunk driving attorney can ensure that your constitutional rights are not violated and that you retain the best criminal defense possible.

Though some individuals may have a lapse in judgment, there are times in which the police wrongfully accuse or charge someone for a DUI. For example, earlier this year, a sober driver was arrested for a DUI after a deputy ran a stop sign and crashed into her vehicle. The woman was seriously injured as a result of the accident and was unable to take a breath test or perform any field sobriety tests. Nevertheless, the officer took her into custody and charged her with drunk driving.

Officers arrested Weyker and initially accused her of five charges, including drunk driving causing injury.The deputies report stated he stopped at the sign and then pulled out into the street. However, a surveillance camera showed his car rolling through the stop sign without stopping. Months later, tests results showed Weyker was sober during the accident. Prosecutors didn’t drop charges until the deputy gave statements contradicting his original story another five months later.

Do not enter a guilty plea for a DUI without first consulting with an experienced attorney.

Sources

Sober driver arrested for DUI when deputy blows through stop sign, hits her

Michael Phelps arrested for DUI

Celebrity chef Voltaggio Pleads Guilty to DUI