Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Wednesday, January 7, Tim Jennings, cornerback for the Chicago Bears, was arrested on several charges after being pulled over as he raced to a parent-teacher conference, according to a news report at USA Today.
The 31-year-old was in suburban Atlanta in the Duluth area when he was spotted by police in a 2015 Mercedes going 99 mph in a 65 mph zone of Interstate 85. Upon stopping Jennings, Gwinnett County Police Cpl. Jake Smith said that he noticed an odor of alcohol. He has been charged with speeding, reckless driving, and DUI.
When pulled over and asked why he was driving so fast, Jennings allegedly told Smith that he was late for a parent-teacher conference. Smith said that Jennings eyes were slightly watery and bloodshot. Jennings did admit that he had been drinking the evening before, but had stopped at about 2 a.m. It was just before noon when Jennings was pulled over.
Jennings reportedly refused a roadside breath test and field sobriety tests, adamant that he was fine to drive and was not under the influence.
Michigan DUI attorneys know all too well that an individual can be “legally” drunk for many hours after he/she stops consuming alcohol. While a person may be perfectly capable of driving, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of more than .08% in the state of Michigan, and in most other states.
Reckless driving is also a serious offense, a DUI conviction may result in substantial fines, jail time, license suspension, community service, and more in Michigan. In Georgia, a first DUI conviction may result in fines of up to $1,000, community service, jail time of 10 days to one year, participation in an alcohol abuse class, and more.
Regardless of where you live, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a very serious matter. If you have been arrested or charged with operating while intoxicated in Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, or surrounding areas, consult with an experienced and aggressive Michigan DUI lawyer who will protect your legal rights and work to obtain outstanding results.