5 Things We Can Learn From Celebrity DUI Cases
Celebrities are constantly in the news, but sometimes it can be for all of the wrong reasons. We’ve all seen the occasional mugshot floating around after an arrest of a high-profile individual. There is a lot we can learn from celebrities who have been arrested or charged with a DUI.
1. In Florida, your mugshot is public record.
In Florida, if you are arrested your mugshot is instantly public record. Just ask Tiger Woods. This means that your mugshot can be accessed by anyone. Hopefully in the future if your record is sealed then it won’t be, (see my post New Law Allows For Individuals With Sealed Records To Have Mugshots Removed) but for time being mugshots are public record.
2. Addiction maybe an underlying issue.
Lindsey Lohan had several arrests for Driving Under the Influence. The courts were made aware that she had addiction issues. Judges and prosecutors will want to know if a defendant has an addiction issue and that are they addressing it. Being proactive and addressing an addiction issue early on can have a positive impact on your case.
3. Don’t violate your probation!
In April of 2011, Lindsey Lohan violated her probation and received 270 days jail and 480 community service hours. If you violate your probation there will be consequences.
4. DUI arrests often result from routine traffic stops.
Tim Allen, the well-known father-figure from Home Improvement, was stopped for a DUI back in 1997 because he was going 70 mph in 40 mph zone. http://www.eonline.com/news/34603/tim-allen-arrested-for-dui
Mel Gibson was also arrested for a DUI in 2006. He was also stopped because he was speeding.
Busta Rymes was arrested for a DUI in 2007. The reason law enforcement stopped him was for illegally tinted windows. http://www.tmz.com/2007/05/03/busta-rhymes-busted-for-dui/.
5. Law Enforcement is not required to read you Miranda.
Letroy Guion, a Green Bay Packers Lineman, was recently arrested for a DUI and stated during the arrest “I know I’m drunk. I’ve been drinking Hennessy all night. I don’t drink any of that weak stuff, only the hard stuff.” http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/packers-letroy-guion-dui-stop-i-know-im-drunk-report-says/1je3wr7vp7q67183chzkirrn9w
The Roadside doesn’t mean you’re in custody and the officer is required to read Miranda. See State v. Burns, 661 So.2d 842 (5th DCA 1995) and State v. Taylor, 648 So.2d 701 (Fla. 1995).
If you have been charged with a DUI it is important that you speak with a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible. Call Frost Law today at (407) 670-5569 for a free case review.
