Even if you’re sober, you could be arrested for a DUI. At least nine people in Phoenix were arrested for a DUI even though they were below the legal limit for alcohol. In fact, some of these drivers had no alcohol in their system.
The drivers were arrested by Officer David Morris, who works for the Phoenix Police Department. Since April of 2018, this officer has arrested more than 55 people for DUIs. Court records show that nine or more drivers had these charges dismissed because there wasn’t evidence to support that they were driving while intoxicated.
According to the drivers that were charged, the officer stated that the drivers were behaving in a way that suggested they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. At least some of the drivers failed a field sobriety test. However, bloodwork confirmed that the drivers did not have drugs or alcohol in their system.
One Phoenix police department detective, Kemp Layden, says that officers can make DUI arrests if they believe they have probable cause. If a police officer believes that a driver is under the influence because of their behavior or statements, they may choose to make an arrest. Someone could also be arrested because they fail a field sobriety test.
Tasha McConnell, one of the drivers arrested, said that the officer stated that her “eyelid tremors” showed that she was under the influence. Jim Brongo was arrested because his eyes were bloodshot. Both drivers performed poorly on the field sobriety test, but results showed that neither individual had drugs or alcohol in their system.
If you’re in upstate South Carolina, and you’ve been charged with a DUI, contact the Bateman firm today. The penalties for a DUI can be severe, even if it’s your first offense. With the right attorney, you can fight the charges you’re facing.
Source: https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/investigations/more-sober-drivers-are-being-arrested-for-dui-in-phoenix