A Manatee County Sheriff Deputy noticed a vehicle drifting within its lane. The vehicle would touch the white has mark on the right and the solid white line on the left. The Deputy then noticed the driver was not wearing his seat belt. A traffic stop was conducted. The Deputy then made contact with the Defendant who had droopy eye lids, a flushed face and bloodshot, glassy eyes. The Defendant spoke with a slur and appeared off balance when he exited his vehicle. The Deputy requested the Defendant to perform field sobriety exercises, which he agreed. The Defendant exhibited multiple clues of impairment. The Deputy then read the Defendant his Miranda warnings, which the Defendant waived. The Defendant admitted to drinking throughout the day and smoking two bowls of marijuana. The Defendant was then arrested for DUI. A search of his vehicle resulted in the Deputy finding a pipe with marijuana residue. The Defendant admitted this was the pipe he used to smoke earlier in the day. The Defendant provided 2 breath samples of .000. He also provided a urine sample which was positive for marijuana.
Result: Based on discussions with the firm regarding the evidence in the case, the State dropped the DUI charge.