The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
Two Florida school principals were arrested after the authorities said they were involved in separate DUI incidents involving the same vehicle within a few hours.
The owner of the vehicle was accused of driving the SUV again around 5 a.m. after it had been left parked following an earlier traffic stop. The authorities said an officer recognized the SUV and saw the owner behind the wheel before initiating another traffic stop.
The woman allegedly told officers she was trying to help her friend by posting bond after the earlier arrest. The authorities said she smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech, cried during the encounter, and appeared unsteady while walking. She agreed to complete field sobriety exercises before being arrested. She was later accused of refusing a breath test after being advised of Florida’s implied consent law.
The earlier traffic stop happened shortly after 2 a.m. when the other principal was driving the SUV. The authorities said an officer saw the vehicle swerving, moving into oncoming lanes, and striking a curb before stopping the driver.
The authorities said the driver had difficulty finding her identification, moved slowly, smelled of alcohol, and appeared unsteady after getting out of the vehicle. She allegedly admitted she had been drinking before declining to complete field sobriety exercises.
The vehicle owner was also present during the first traffic stop. According to the authorities, she allegedly told officers that she and her friend had been at a restaurant and consumed drinks. Officers determined she was not able to safely drive, so the vehicle was left parked nearby.
Both women were arrested and charged with driving under the influence and refusing to submit to testing. The authorities said both incidents were captured on body cameras and patrol vehicle cameras.
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.