In Florida and across the country, it is unacceptable to drive while impaired. Those in certain professions — teachers, for example — may find that being accused of drunk driving may threaten their professional livelihoods. With so much on the line, a teacher facing such accusations should waste no time in securing legal counsel.
A middle school teacher in Polk County finds himself in such a situation after his recent arrest. According to the sheriff’s office, a pickup truck operated by the 29-year-old was seen striking another vehicle. Reportedly, he was driving erratically at about 8 p.m. on a recent Tuesday. They say the driver attempted to flee the accident scene. The police report indicates that the driver raced away, but he lost control of his pickup truck.
The truck crashed through a fence after striking a telephone pole. The vehicle came to a halt when it smashed into a water main. No injuries were reported, but law enforcement officials claim that a field sobriety test gave authorities reason to believe that the teacher was impaired. He was transported to the county jail, where two breath samples were tested — both showing blood alcohol levels more than three times the .08 legal limit.
Although there can be no conviction on drunk driving charges unless and until prosecutors actually prove guilt in court and beyond a reasonable doubt, it makes good sense to secure the services of an experienced Florida criminal defense attorney. Having an attorney present during questioning is crucial. The lawyer can also scrutinize the police procedures to identify irregularities and address them in court.