Former professional basketball player Kenny Anderson was charged recently by Broward County authorities with causing an accident, driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident, United Press International reports.
Regardless of the person's stature, they can end up facing a DUI charge in Fort Lauderdale. That's because any person can have one too many drinks that affect his or her ability to operate a vehicle, even if they don't realize it.
And even a person with no prior criminal history record and no past of drinking and driving can face major penalties:
- Up to six months in jail
- Up to one year on probation, combined with jail time
- Fine of up to $1,000
- Court costs
- 180-day driver's license suspension
- 50 hours community service
- DUI school enrollment and completion
- Possible ignition interlock device plus monthly costs
Those are far more punishing sanctions that for a person who commits other types of misdemeanor crimes, such as theft or a minor battery charge. Another, less publicized part of a DUI case is the administrative hearing in Fort Lauderdale.
When a person is arrested for DUI, they automatically lose their driver's license. But a person has 10 days to request a hearing to review whether their license can be legally taken away. A skilled lawyer can present evidence in a hearing completely separate from the criminal case to convince a hearing officer to reinstate a person's driver's license.
These cases are unique and mainly deal with the procedures used by the officer who made the arrest. It is possible to have your driver's license reinstated while you await trial on the criminal charges. If that fails, a judge may be swayed to give you a hardship license so that you can continue to work or go to school.
According to the news article, Kenny Anderson, a former point guard who played for the New Jersey Nets and eight other teams in a 10-year career, was arrested. He is currently a high school basketball coach in Florida.
Officers say he walked away after hitting two trees with his Cadillac Escalade. Police have yet to charge him with DUI, the article states, though they said he had "clearly" been drinking when he was tracked down at his house. He allegedly admitted to being at a bar before the crash.
Anderson told officers a tire blew out on his car, which caused the accident. Officers noted that all four tires on the vehicle were blown out and the rims were bent. This may be a tough case to prove without witnesses. Simply going to a bar and having a few drinks is legal and although the news article implies he was drunk, police may have little proof.
Vehicle malfunctions happen every day, especially in sport utility vehicles. He may be able to avoid a DUI charge based on a lack of evidence.
If you, a family member or other loved one is arrested and charged with a crime in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale or Miami, contact Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Lawyers today at 1-866-727-5384 to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
Constitutionality of DUI Law in Fort Lauderdale Upheld After Court Challenge: December 2, 2011
