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Two Professional Athletes Face Dui Charges And Penalties

New York Yankees pitcher Michael Pineda was recently charged with drunk driving charges in Florida and faces related penalties. And, last week Denver Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams received his drunk driving conviction from a jury in Denver. While the incidents occurred outside of Pennsylvania, the cases demonstrate the general penalties that drivers who drive under the influence face. The case of D.J. Williams also demonstrates the legal assistance an experienced criminal defense attorney can provide to a client.

On early Monday morning, Michael Pineda was arrested around 3 a.m. for driving under the influence in Tampa, Florida. According to the Associated Press, the 23-year-old pitcher was taken to jail but was later released on a $500 bail.

Last week, a jury returned the conviction for Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams. According to the the Star Tribune, the linebacker was charged with driving under the influence, but the jury returned a conviction of ability-impaired driving, which is a lesser offense. On the morning of November 12, 2010, Williams was pulled over in downtown Denver around 3 a.m. for driving without headlights.

According to prosecutors, Williams failed roadside sobriety tests after he was stopped and refused to take a chemical test to determine his alcohol level, but Williams’ defense attorney questioned the how the officers handled the stop. The defense attorney at trial pointed out a discrepancy between officers. The arresting officer recorded in his notes that Williams had slurred speech and was not walking straight while another officer who was present at the arrest said Williams did not display either of the conditions. The difference in the officers’ stories may have been enough to create doubt among jury members who returned the lesser conviction.

An experienced criminal defense attorney can analyze the events that surround a drunk driving arrest and determine whether police followed proper procedure.

Source: Star Tribune, “Jury Convicts Broncos’ D.J. Williams of Ability-Impaired Driving After Trial that Lasted a Day,” Ivan Moreno, August 15, 2012