A reporter for a New York daily tabloid was taken into custody on July 20 after police determined that he had left the scene of an accident. The 32-year-old man was subsequently charged with driving while intoxicated after a breath test administered at a Manhattan police station allegedly revealed his blood alcohol level to be .211 percent, more than double the legal limit.
Police say that they received a call at approximately 9:00 p.m. concerning a gray Toyota sedan that had left the scene after striking a car parked on Amsterdam Avenue in the vicinity of 134th Street. Officers say that they pulled the car over about 30 minutes later after spotting it near West 144th Street. The reporter is said to have admitted to officers that he had been drinking, and an open liquor bottle was allegedly visible inside the vehicle.
A records check revealed that the man had no prior criminal record, and he was released on his own recognizance the following day. The man’s driver’s license was suspended pending the outcome of the case, and his employer announced that he had been suspended in a statement released by email. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Sept. 14.
A conviction for drunk driving can have consequences that go beyond, fines, probation and jail time, and those who work in the public eye could see their reputations irreparably harmed. Experienced criminal defense attorneys may seek to reduce the severity of drunk driving penalties by pointing out mitigating factors during plea discussions with the prosecutors involved. These factors could include their client’s prior good conduct and sincere remorse. Attorneys could also remind their clients that they have a constitutional right to remain silent and advise them to make no statements or admissions to police officers without legal representation.
