On Sunday evening March 16, Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, was arrested on preliminary charges of drunk driving and possession of a controlled substance, according to NJ.com. According to Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Bryant Orem, Irsay’s bond was set at $22,500.
Few details of the arrest have been released; USA Today said only that Irsay was arrested just prior to midnight, and booked into the Hamilton County Jail just after 3 a.m. The Colts owner had tweeted just last October that he had not drank alcohol in the past 15 years.
News reports indicate that under the NFL’s personal conduct policy, Irsay will be subject to discipline by the commissioner if convicted of the charges. Irsay admitted that he was addicted to prescription pain medications about a dozen years ago, following years of surgeries and orthopedic procedures which left him with bouts of chronic pain. He sought treatment at a facility outside of Indiana. In November of last year, Meg Irsay filed for divorce after 33 years of marriage.
Did the dissolve of his marriage cause Irsay to slip back into addictive behavior? Michigan DUI defense attorneys know that individuals often turn to alcohol and prescription drugs in an effort to self-medicate and escape life’s problems. However, this behavior usually leads to more problems, including criminal penalties for those found guilty. A first drunk driving offense in the state of Michigan will leave anyone who is convicted facing potential jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, community service, and more. Subsequent offenses result in punishment that is even more harsh.
Regardless of your innocence or guilt, it is recommended you consult with a talented Michigan DUI lawyer who will work to ensure your legal rights were not violated, and that any errors which may have been made in the course of your arrest are used to your benefit. It may be possible to have charges dismissed or reduced, helping minimize the damage to your reputation, career, and other aspects of your life.