Charges: DUI
A Gainesville Police Department officer clocked the speed of a vehicle at 45 mph in a 35 mph zone. The officer pulled out to catch up with the vehicle but before he could initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle ran a red light. After finally stopping the vehicle, the officer made contact with the driver who stated he was coming from a local bar. The officer noticed an odor of alcohol coming from the driver as he spoke. The driver had watery eyes and stumbled as he walked towards the officer’s vehicle. The driver performed poorly on field sobriety exercises and was arrested and charged with DUI. The driver provided breath samples of 0.198g/210L and 0.205g/210L.
The driver retained Meldon Law and we were able to negotiate a plea deal with the State Attorney’s office. The State Attorney’s office initial plea included community service, a six month driver’s license suspension, a $1,000 fine, and an ignition interlock device placed on the driver’s vehicle. Despite the driver’s breath test results, we were able to reduce the charges to DUI above .08 but below .15. The fine was reduced to $500 and no ignition interlock device was required.
