Our client was stopped by FHP after drifting in his lane, not affecting any other traffic. Upon making contact with our client, the Trooper noticed alleged indicators of impairment on our client: glassy/bloodshot eyes and an odor of an alcoholic beverage. After performaning Field Sobriety Exercises, our client was arrested and charged with DUI.
Upon reviewing the case, our attorney immediately went to work for our client, who is a beer sales rep. If our client was convicted of the DUI, or any charge involving alcohol, he would have lost his job and his license with the State. Knowing this, and knowing that the State Attorney’s Office does not willingly dismiss DUI cases, the only option was for the case to be set for trial and have the jury decide if his “normal faculties were impaired”.
A few days prior to the trial, the State offered our client a reduced charge of a conviction on Reckless Driving with Alcohol. Due to the ramifications for his employment, our client rejected this offer, and the case remained set for trial. This also showed our client, and our attorney, that the State’s case was in a weak position, giving us a negotiating advantage.
The morning of trial, the State amended the charge to Careless Driving, a civil infraction. Our client received no points on his license, no crime on his record, and was able to keep his job and licenses.