Tampa Bay Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
A former NFL QB arrested for a DUI is normally not a newsworthy story. What makes this case interesting is the sheer high number of his B.A.C.
Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jack Trudeau was arrested last Sunday for driving under the influence, public intoxication and disorderly conduct in Zionsville, Indiana.
The Colts originally picked the now 52-year-old Jack Trudeau in the second round of the 1986 draft out of the University of Illinois. He played reasonably well for Indianapolis until 1993 and then bounced around to the New York Jets and the Carolina Panthers before retiring in 1995.
A local police report said that Jack was pulled over for erratic driving late at night. He was questioned and the cops determined a DUI investigation was warranted. During the police investigation he showed signs of impairment and was arrested after failing field sobriety exercises.
The police report further mentioned that Jack Trudeau threatened a police officer during the arrest. It says a portable breath test showed Trudeau had a blood-alcohol content of 0.31 percent, nearly four times the legal limit of 0.08 percent! At that level, a person is reaching a life-threatening amount of alcohol in the system.
LEGAL ANALYSIS
In Florida, anything at a .15 or above is known as an enhanced blow. This may result in a larger fine, more jail time and a mandatory DMV-ordered alcohol ignition interlock to be placed in the suspect’s vehicle before he is allowed to drive again. You may also be looking at an extended driver’s license suspension. In addition, extra punishment such as community service hours or talking to schools or groups about your crime is not unusual.
In Pinellas County, a blow above .15 is no exception when it comes to enhanced punishments. Besides the mandatory penalty of the ignition interlock, an enhanced fine will almost certainly happen. Additionally, a stint in the Pinellas County jail is not unusual, even if it is a first time offense.
The Florida DUI statute (316.193) explains the range of punishments depending on the number of DUI, injuries, and other circumstances. While the statute codifies the law and punishment, keep in mind that the ranges vary widely from county to county.Have you or a loved one been arrested for a DUI or a disorderly conduct? Then call the Pinellas DUI defense lawyers at Blake & Dorsten, P.A. today! These former prosecutors are experienced trial attorneys who have handled hundreds of DUI related cases.
The lawyers at Blake & Dorsten, P.A. handles all criminal and personal injury cases along the Gulf Coast including Saint Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa Bay, Seminole, St. Pete Beach, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Dade City, Largo, Indian Rocks, Treasure Island, Feathersound, Pinellas Park, Brandon, Bradenton, Sarasota, Oldsmar, Kenneth City, New Port Richey, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Madiera Beach, Belleair Beach, Redington Shores, Gulfport, Indian Shores, Pasadena, Ozona, North Redington Beach, Bay Pines, Crystal Beach, Curlew, Gandy, Lealman, Tierra Verde and West Lealman.
To speak directly with your Pinellas criminal defense attorney, click on the contact button or call 727.286.6141. Blake & Dorsten, P.A…when your case matters!