NBA basketball player Jason Kidd’s lawyer has stated that Kidd plans to vigorously fight DWI charges stemming from an incident in July. Kidd announced this course of action during a hearing at the Southampton Town Court on Long Island. The court appearance was only procedural, and he will have to appear in court again to defend himself against the charges.
Speaking through his lawyer, Kidd stated that he wants to put this incident behind him and focus on the upcoming NBA season, where he will make his debut for the New York Knicks after recently being transferred from the Dallas Mavericks.
The incident occurred only a few days after Kidd signed with the Knicks. Kidd was driving his SUV in the Water Mill area when he allegedly hit a telephone pole while under the influence of alcohol. Kidd took to Twitter after the incident to apologize for his actions and to thank his family and friends for supporting him through a difficult time. After conducting an investigation, police charged Kidd with a misdemeanor, which could result in jail time of up to one year.
For anyone charged with a DWI violation, two legal options apply: plead guilty, possibly for a lesser sentence, or defend yourself at trial. In the case of a plea, damage may be limited by a potentially reduced sentence. If a case goes to trial, it will be up to a judge to decide on an appropriate sentence if the evidence warrants it. Nevertheless, those accused of a DWI violation should be fully aware of their rights and options under the law.
Source: KSL.com, “Attorney: NY Knicks’ Kidd will fight DWI charge,” Brian Mahoney, Sept. 12, 2012
