On July 1, 44-year-old Senator Cam Ward, R-Alabaster and chairman of the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence. Ward said on Thursday that he would be seeking professional help after using alcohol as a ‘crutch’ to deal with stress, which resulted in his making what he said were “incredibly reckless decisions.”
According to a news article at the Times Free Press, a call was received at just before 1 p.m. by the Alabaster Police Department regarding a suspected drunk driver on Alabama 119. Not long after, Ward was stopped by an officer just a few miles away at a city ballpark. Police Chief Curtis Rigney said during a brief news conference that Ward failed field sobriety tests that were administered, and “exhibited signs of intoxication.” No details of the arrest were available at the time of news reports; Rigney declined to answer questions regarding the senator’s blood alcohol content. Ward did spend the night in the Shelby County Jail before being freed on $1,000 bond the next day.
Ward had been visiting a vocational school in Bibb County just hours prior to his arrest, and posted a photo of himself during the visit on social media. His vehicle was impounded according to police reports. Prior to his DUI arrest, Ward pleaded guilty to two speeding tickets, one in 1997 and one in 2007.
Michigan DUI attorneys know that anyone from any walk in life can find themselves in a precarious situation, arrested for driving under the influence. Many people use alcohol as a way to deal with stress and anxiety, while others just enjoy an occasional drink. Either way, getting behind the wheel puts not only the driver but others at risk. In this case, there were no accidents or injuries.
A DUI conviction may result in jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, community service, a criminal record, and more depending on the circumstances and whether it is a first or subsequent DUI. If you or someone you know has been charged with driving under the influence, seek legal support and guidance immediately in order to protect your legal rights and mitigate the damage. Contact an experienced and dedicated Michigan DUI defense lawyer.