On behalf of The Law Office of Gustavo E. Frances, P.A.
Drunk driving arrests often make headlines in Florida. The media and law enforcement officials often want to sensationalize these stories in order to prevent future drunk driving. However, in the process, people accused of drunk driving may suffer consequences to their personal and professional lives. DUI charges can cause serious long-lasting effects.
If convicted, those accused of drunk driving in Florida can face driver’s license suspensions that make it difficult for people to get to work, school, or run errands. People can also be sentenced to jail time that takes them away from their families. Fines and other penalties are also common with DUIs.
In any case, no one should face these penalties based on media reports alone — only a court can determine if a person is guilty. Pop-star Justin Bieber is facing a firestorm of media coverage after he was arrested on DUI charges in Miami Beach.
According to police, they stopped a Lamborghini driven by Bieber after they claimed he was racing a Ferrari in a residential neighborhood. Police say that Bieber was driving between 55 and 60 miles per hour in a 30 mph zone.
During the traffic stop, the police allege that Bieber swore at them and refused to keep his hands on the car as they searched for weapons. Furthermore, the police say that during the stop they smelled alcohol on the teen’s breath, noticed that his eyes were bloodshot and that his face was flushed. Police also allege he failed a field sobriety test. According to police, Bieber admitted to drinking prior to driving as well as taking prescription drugs and smoking marijuana.
Now, Bieber is facing charges for driving without a valid license, resisting arrest, and drunken driving. Like all those arrested on DUI charges, he is entitled to a criminal defense. Those facing DUI charges should be treated as innocent until proven guilty — no matter what the media says.
CNN, “Justin Bieber arrested on drunken driving, resisting arrest charges,” Alan Duke, Jan. 24, 2014