Michigan DUI defense attorneys know that anyone can be arrested for drunk driving, regardless of whether an individual is a celebrity, doctor, attorney, factory worker, or CEO of a large corporation. Recently, two people who many are familiar with from television have been arrested for DUI.
Delvin Choice, a contestant on the reality TV show “The Voice” who made it into the top eight last season, was arrested on Saturday morning in South Carolina for DUI. Choice was pulled over by highway patrol and taken to county jail. According to news reports, it was his first DUI offense. He was released later the same morning.
Others who watch the show “Cake Boss” on TLC are probably familiar with Buddy Valastro, star of the show. Valastro was arrested early Thursday morning, November 13, after police noticed a yellow Corvette driving erratically. According to TMZ, Valastro was in Manhattan when police noticed him “weaving” on 10th Ave. Upon pulling him over, police claimed to smell a strong odor of alcohol. He also allegedly failed several field sobriety tests, and was taken to jail. News reports do not indicate whether it was Valastro’s first DUI offense.
No one expects to be pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence, particularly when they have had only a drink or two – but it happens every day. With the holidays just around the corner, it is likely there will be even more arrests as people attend holiday parties and other festivities. Drinking is part of our culture, a way to relax and have a good time with others, or unwind after a stressful day at work. Unfortunately, if you are caught operating a vehicle while under the influence, you could face fines, jail time, a permanent criminal record, driver’s license suspension, and more.
It is also important to note that you do not have to have a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of more than the legal limit of .08% to be arrested for a drunk driving offense. In Michigan, an individual may be arrested for OWVI, or Operating While Visibly Impaired, regardless of the results of breath/blood tests. This charge is based purely on the opinion of the police officer, who may feel that an individual is obviously impaired and unable to safely operate a vehicle. While not as serious a charge as DUI, it is still important to fight the charge in order to protect your reputation and career.
Regardless of the offense you have been charged with, consult with a capable Michigan DUI defense lawyer who will review the facts of your case and work with you to determine the best way to proceed so that the damage to your life is minimized. Ultimately, the best outcome is to have charged dismissed, however there are other options when this is not possible.