On January 31, 2018, at approximately 7:38pm, a Hillsborough County Deputy observed a blue truck traveling northbound on Highway 41 North operating approximately five feet behind the vehicle which he felt was more closely than is reasonable and prudent. The Deputy initiated a traffic stop on the truck. The Deputy observed the Defendant behind the wheel to have watery, glassy eyes, red in color face and a strong distinct odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath. After observing these possible indicators of impairment, the Deputy asked the Defendant to hand him the keys.
The Deputy then conducted field sobriety exercises, which indicated impairment. The Deputy then placed the Defendant under arrest for DUI. The Defendant submitted to a breath test which showed results of .100 and .102.
Results: The firm presented a packet of information regarding the legality of the Deputy’s initial interaction with the Defendant, and also medical information relating to the Defendant’s ability to perform field sobriety exercises. After review of this information, The State dropped the DUI charge.