Marion County DUI Reduced to Reckless Driving

Florida Highway Patrol responded to a single-vehicle crash in the area of 99th Avenue. Upon arrival, they observed a black Volkswagen with front end damage from striking a power pole. Troopers spoke with Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies that arrived on the scene before their arrival. After completing their crash investigation, the Troopers transitioned into a criminal investigation for driving under the influence. The trooper observed bloodshot watery eyes and the odor of an alcoholic beverage. The driver was asked to perform field sobriety exercises which the driver refused, the driver was then placed under arrest and transported to the Marion County Jail. While at the jail the driver was asked to provide a breath sample which the driver also refused.

The driver hired Meldon Law. The attorney at Meldon Law reviewed the discovery in the case noticed a potential suppression issue. The attorney then spoke with the prosecutor and emailed the prosecutor case law supporting the defense’s position. Ultimately, the attorney was able to negotiate a plea deal where the DUI charge was reduced to reckless driving. Additionally, the attorney filed a motion to consolidate the civil traffic infraction for careless driving and was able to get the ticket dismissed upon the driver entering a plea to the reckless driving charge.

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 Arrest: July 3, 2021).