A Trooper from the Florida Highway Patrol initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by two Hispanic males who spoke little English. The Trooper instructed both individuals to exit the car and to provide their driver’s licenses. The Defendant was cited for speeding and arrested for driving with an expired driver’s license over 4 months. After a lengthy consultation, Spanish speaking Defense Counsel was able to ascertain the Defendant was actually seated in the passenger seat and, in fact, had a valid driver’s license. The Trooper apparently confused the identities of the two Hispanic males and arrested the Defendant in error. Defense Counsel brought this information to the Assistant State Attorney. The citation and criminal charge were immediately dropped.
DUI & Criminal Division
