Marion County Driver Pleas to Reduced DUI
An Ocala Police Department officer was traveling northbound on N. Pine Avenue when he observed a blue vehicle pull out onto the highway. The officer observed the vehicle swerve from left to right and fail to maintain a single lane. The officer subsequently conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and spoke with the driver. The officer noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from the driver, who admitted to having two drinks.
The Arrest
The driver was asked to participate in field sobriety exercises, which consisted of the horizontal gaze nystagmus exercise, the walk and turn exercise, and the one-leg stand. The first exercise was the horizontal gaze nystagmus, during which the officer stated that he observed distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation as well as nystagmus prior to 45 degrees. On the walk and turn the officer stated that the driver missed heel to toe, stepped off the line, and also stopped walking to steady himself.
During the one-leg stand, the officer stated that the driver used his arms for balance and put his foot down numerous times. Ultimately the driver was placed under arrest and transported to the Marion County Jail for a breath test. The driver agreed to provide a breath sample which the results indicated a BAC of .177 and .178.
The Solution
The driver hired Meldon Law. The Meldon Law attorney reviewed the discovery materials and video. Based on his review, the attorney noticed multiple issues with the DUI investigation and spoke with the Prosecutor regarding legal issues as well as mitigating evidence. The prosecutor agreed to reduce the charge from an enhanced DUI to a First-Offense DUI and allow the driver to receive the minimum sanctions.
Meldon Law Is Here for You
When you have been charged with a DUI in Florida, it is essential to know relevant court hearings and dates and the potential defenses you may have. At Meldon Law, we have the expertise and experience to assist you in every aspect of your case. Our attorneys know your rights and are dedicated to defending them – and defending you.
If you have been charged with a criminal offense, call us at 352-373-8000 or fill out our contact form for a prompt response to schedule your free consultation. We want to help you get started on the path to getting your life back today.
DISCLAIMER: The results are specific to the facts and legal circumstances of each of the clients’ cases and should not be used to form an expectation that the same results could be obtained for other clients in similar matters without reference to the specific factual and legal circumstances of each client’s case. (Date of Citation: October 22, 2020).
