On a Thursday earlier in December, a police officer was on patrol in an area where multiple burglaries had been reported. When he noticed a parked vehicle and saw four people exiting, he approached them. He asked for proof of identity, perhaps to check whether any of them had outstanding warrants for DUI or other offenses. Reportedly, none of the vehicle’s occupants had such documentation on them.
The officer’s report indicates that one of the men hesitated before providing his last name. He became suspicious because he claims the man avoided making eye contact. When asked whether his nervousness was because of an outstanding warrant for his arrest, the man allegedly stated he suffered from severe anxiety.
Reportedly, the officer had the name and date of birth provided by the man checked. When nothing could be found in Florida records, the man said he was from another state and also claimed he borrowed the car from his aunt. Police say they contacted the aunt who denied having a nephew by that name and then provided her nephew’s correct name. The officer had that name verified, and apparently learned that the man was on probation for DUI. He was then arrested for giving a phony name when asked for proof of identity.
For anyone who is arrested while on probation for DUI or another offense in Florida, it would be sensible to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can protect the rights of the accused individual and examine the charges and the procedures followed during the arrest. Any irregularities can then be addressed in court. The attorney can then work to achieve the best possible outcome for the client.
