The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A chief judicial officer in Iowa’s Second Judicial District is facing a first-offense operating-while-intoxicated charge after a late-evening incident last week.
The situation began when motorists driving on a highway near Boone saw a pickup moving slowly through the median area and realized it had been traveling the wrong way in the westbound lanes. Several callers notified the authorities and said the driver appeared unconscious. One person stopped and tried to open the doors, but when they could not, they got into the truck by going through the rear window. They were then able to put it in park and turn off the ignition.
A deputy from the Boone County Sheriff’s Department arrived, and they reportedly found the driver was unable to stand without assistance, in addition to allegedly exhibiting several signs of being impaired. Emergency medical personnel at the scene evaluated her. According to the police report, she did not respond when asked whether she would participate in field sobriety tests. A warrant was obtained for a blood draw at a local hospital, and the sheriff said that the blood sample will be tested by the state crime laboratory.
She was booked into the county jail early the next morning on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated – first offense. At her initial court appearance, a judge authorized her release without bond and required a substance-abuse evaluation. Her attorney filed a not-guilty plea and stated that she is “committed to addressing this matter responsibly and in accordance with the law.”
Since the defendant oversees judges across 22 counties and has longstanding professional ties within the district, any conflicts were immediately identified. Judicial officials declined to comment on the allegations, citing personnel rules and the pending case as the reason.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a DUI offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.