Charges: DUI, Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road
A Gainesville Police Department officer observed a vehicle driving northbound in the southbound lanes. The officer conducted a traffic stop and upon making contact noticed a strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech, and glassy, bloodshot, watery eyes. The officer requested backup for a DUI investigation. The responding officer was parked one block away and had also witnessed the driver’s driving patterns.
The officer attempted to conduct field sobriety exercises and explained the purpose of the exercises was to offer the driver the opportunity to prove he was not intoxicated. The driver stated he would not submit to field sobriety exercises. The driver was placed in handcuffs and following implied consent, the driver agreed to provide breath samples. The driver blew 0.236g/210L and 0.217g/210L. The driver made statements that he was “very intoxicated and drunk” while being held at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
The driver retained Meldon Law and we were able to negotiate with the State Attorney’s office to reach a favorable plea deal for the driver. The driver was able to plea to DUI Above .08 but below .15 despite his breath test results. This reduced charge eliminated the ignition interlock device requirement and reduced the fines that the driver had to pay.
