An Indian River County corrections deputy has been cited with driving under the influence by the Florida Highway Patrol. The man’s arrest report indicates that he drove his vehicle into trees at the McKee Botanical Garden when a traffic stop was attempted. The 39-year-old officer denied consuming any alcoholic beverages and stated that he was just trying to give a friend a ride home. He later admitted having a couple of mixed drinks at a party.
Standardized field sobriety tests were administered at the scene, and it was reported that the subject failed to follow the instructions for some tests and failed to complete others. His vehicle was searched, and a thermos with what was believed to be an alcoholic fruit drink along with an empty bottle of brandy were found. The man was then taken into custody.
The corrections officer was taken to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office where he refused breath testing. He was charged with misdemeanor DUI. A $1,000 bail was posted, and the he was released.
After a DUI arrest anywhere in Florida, you only have 10 days to try to protect your driver’s license from being revoked. If your arrest occurred in or near Indian River County, you’ll want to speak with Indian River County criminal defense attorney Jeffrey H. Garland. Florida takes even a misdemeanor DUI conviction seriously. A first conviction is punishable by the following:
- A minimum fine of $250 not to exceed $500.
- A year of probation.
- Up to 50 hours of community service.
- Up to 180 days in jail.
- A driver’s license revocation of 180 days.
- Successful completion of a minimum of a 12 hour DUI education program.
Indian River County DUI Defense Attorney Jeffrey H. Garland
Any DUI defense should be handled by a dedicated and experienced DUI defense lawyer. A DUI conviction will stay with you for the rest of your life, and it can impact employment, educational and housing opportunities. That’s just another reason why you want an experienced and effective Indian River County DUI defense attorney advocating for you from the start. If you or somebody close to you has been charged with DUI or a DUI-related offense in or around Indian River County, contact Jeffrey H. Garland right away for quality and effective DUI defense at 772-489-2200. Remember, you only have 10 days from the date of your arrest to act on your driver’s license.