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Editor: Will Hanlon & Charlie Lambert
Profession: Tampa Defense Attorneys

Category: DUI

CASE #001-194-XAM; Judge: James Dominguez; Date: September26, 2006

FACTS: The defendant was alleged to have made a very wide, fast turn traveling half way into the inside lane of oncoming traffic. His vehicle supposedly almost crashed into another vehicle traveling the opposite way. The officer claimed the defendant had bloodshot glassy eyes and slurred speach. He also noticed a distinct odor of alcoholic beverage coming out of his mouth. According to the police report the defendant showed clues of impairment on his field sobriety tests and was arrested for DUI.

DEFENSE: Review of the videotape revealed that the officer was very accusatory and coercive towards the defendant. In addition, the defendant's performance on the field sobriety tests appeared to be much better than the officer described.

RESULT: The State dropped the DUI charge.