Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Tuesday, December 16, an unnamed 23-year-old Kalamazoo woman was arrested for allegedly stealing a golf cart and driving it while intoxicated. According to a news report at Fox 17, the woman’s name has not been released and will be identified pending a formal arraignment.
The woman was pulled over at about 8 in the morning when an officer noticed her driving the golf cart on Florence Street and thought it a bit odd. Public Safety Officer Ariana Gasca said that she pulled up to the cart, and the woman driving it pulled over to talk with her. The unidentified woman told Gasca that the golf cart had been given to her by a friend to drive. However, Gasca noticed items on the cart that made her suspect it belonged to a local apartment complex. Upon checking it out, the cart had in fact been stolen.
Gasca conducted a series of sobriety tests on the woman, who was ultimately charged with operating while intoxicated, driving on a suspended license, unlawfully driving away a vehicle, and obstruction by disguise. Police claim the woman also has two additional warrants out for her arrest.
Perhaps the woman in this case thought that because her license had been suspended, she could get away with driving a golf cart. Or, perhaps she thought in doing so, she would not be pulled over by law enforcement and therefore would not be arrested for driving while intoxicated. Regardless, it was not a good idea as the woman now faces numerous charges.
After consuming alcohol, it is never a good idea to get behind the wheel of any type of motorized vehicle, whether a golf cart, riding lawn mower, motorcycle, or car. Now, if it is the young woman’s first DUI, she may face a longer license suspension period, possible jail time, community service, steep fines, and more. If it is a second or subsequent DUI, the punishment will be even more serious, and will include mandatory jail time and attendance of a drunk driving school or program. Fines may also be as much as $1,000.
Driving while under the influence is a very serious charge, whether the accused is driving a car, truck, or SUV, or driving a golf cart. If you have been arrested or charged, contact an experienced Michigan DUI defense attorney immediately so that work can begin to protect your freedom, legal rights, and career.