The Defendant was seen driving a black Chevrolet Cavalier at 77 mph in a 50 mph zone. A Deputy stopped the vehicle and made contact with the Defendant. The Defendant was observed to have red watery eyes, slurred speech and odor of alcoholic beverage on his breath. The Deputy requested the Defendant perform field sobriety exercises, which he complied. On the walk and turn test, the Defendant could not keep his balance while listening to instructions, started the test before told to do so, did not touch heel to toe 3 times, lost his balance during the turn and took an incorrect number of steps. On the One leg stand test, the Defendant swayed while balancing and used his arms for balance. During the follow the pen test the Defendant exhibited all 6 possible clues indicating impairment. The Defendant was placed under arrest for DUI. A search of the Defendant revealed 2 hand rolled cigarettes in his right front pocket. The green leafy substance contained in the cigarettes tested positive for marijuana. An open 750ml bottle of vodka was also found in the Defendant’s vehicle. The Defendant was charged with DUI, possession of marijuana, open container and speeding. Results: The DUI charge was dropped along with the open container and speeding citations. A negotiated plea was reached regarding the marijuana charge which required the Defendant to only have to pay the court costs.
DUI & Criminal Division
