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Ex-NFL Player Charged with “Extreme DUI”

Written by David O
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Ex-NFL Player Charged with “Extreme DUI”

The charge “Extreme DUI” sounds quite intense, and nobody knows this better than ex-NFL player, Braylon Edwards, who was arrested early in the morning on May 4th in Scottsdale, Arizona.  The former wide receiver allegedly was very under the influence of alcohol because according to police, his BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) level was more than .20, over twice the legal BAC limit of 0.08.  Having such a high BAC level earned him the charge “Extreme DUI.”

According to Arizona State law, an Extreme DUI is based upon the blood alcohol concentration level of the person accused; specifically, if the person has a BAC level above .15 but less than .20 then they will be charged with Extreme DUI under §28-1382 of the Arizona Revised Statutes.  Wait there is more… if an individual has a BAC level of .20 or greater than they will be charged with “Super Extreme DUI,” and with a Super Extreme DUI comes even harsher penalties and longer jail time.

It’s unclear why Braylon Edwards is only being charged with Extreme DUI and not Super Extreme DUI, since his BAC level over .20.  Perhaps he just got lucky!  Now Braylon Edwards needs to focus on hiring a good, reputable DUI lawyer to help fight his Extreme DUI charge.

Here in Washington State, Extreme DUI and Super Extreme DUI charges do not exist, an individual is simply charged with DUI no matter how high their BAC results.  However, penalties increase for individuals that are charged with DUI and have a BAC level of .15 or above.

Here is a comparison of penalties for first DUI charge within 7 years for Washington State – a BAC result less than .15 vs a BAC result more than .15 or a BAC test refusal.

BAC result less than .15  (1st offense)

  • 1-364 days in jail or 15 days of EHM (Electric Home Monitoring),
  • $941-$5,000 fine,
  • ignition interlock device for 1 year, and 90 day license suspension.

BAC result more than .15 or BAC test refusal (1st offense)

  • 2-364 days in jail or 30 days of EHM,
  • $1,196-$5,000 fine,
  • ignition interlock device for 1 year, and license revocation for 1 year if BAC result was more than .15 or license revocation for 2 years if BAC was refused.

If you have any questions concerning DUI charges or if you have been arrested for DUI here in Washington State, call David O Defense today, 206-459-6392.  The DUI lawyers at David O Defense offer free consultations and can answer any questions or concerns you may have.  Call today, David O Defense will work hard for you!

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DUI Attorney Checklist – Choose the Best DUI Attorney for Your Case

Written by David O
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DUI Attorney Checklist – Choose the Best DUI Attorney for Your Case

Choosing a DUI attorney to help with your DUI case can be an overwhelming task.  DUI attorney ads are everywhere and they all claim they are the greatest attorney in town.  So how does a person begin to try to find a good attorney, one that is the best fit for them and their case?  Follow these simple steps and use our DUI Attorney Checklist to make your decision easier.

Step 1: Start by reading client reviews.  These client reviews may be listed on the lawyer’s website or on other reputable review websites such as AVVO.com and Yelp.com.  Reading client reviews will give you a general impression of the attorney’s character, compassion level, and work ethic. However, be forewarned that not all client reviews are real!  Some attorneys have paid companies to write fake reviews to make themselves and their law firm to appear better than what they really are.  If client reviews sound too good to be true, than they generally are too good to be true. Reviews that lack personality or fail to make some type of personal connection with the attorney are most likely fake as well.

Now, after reading through some client reviews, hopefully it would have helped narrow your search of attorneys that could potentially meet your legal needs.

Step 2:  Call to schedule an in person meeting and legal consultation with the attorneys.  If possible, meet with at least 2-3 attorneys in person so you can get a good idea of who is the best fit for you and your case.  It is very important you choose an attorney that you feel comfortable with and confident in their ability to look out for your best interest.

Most DUI and criminal defense attorneys offer free consultations at their offices to talk about your case and answer questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, the best and most qualified lawyers will welcome your questions.

Step 3:  Bring the DUI Attorney Checklist to each of your legal consultations.  It is up to you if you would like to fill it out during the meeting or after, but it will be handy to have at the meeting so you can ask all the appropriate questions.

 

DUI Attorney Checklist CheckmarkDUI Attorney Checklist

 

  The law firm only practices DUI and criminal defense.

 

  The lawyer you are speaking with has represented many individuals that have faced DUI charges.

 

  They will take your DUI case to trial if necessary and have ample DUI trial experience.

 

  You feel that the attorney listens well and they have answered all your questions with ease and clarity.

 

  The attorney speaks clearly and they tell you about your legal options in a manner that you can understand.

 

  The law firm appears well-organized and the lawyers are dressed professionally and present themselves well.

 

  The law firm was easy to contact by phone or email and they replied in a timely manner.

 

  The attorney did not quote a legal fee over the phone or make promises about your case prior to meeting in person.

 

  The attorney clearly explained the cost of representation.

 

  You felt confident in the attorney’s professional abilities.

 

  You felt respected by the attorney.

 

  You felt comfortable talking with the attorney.

 

Which ever attorney receives the most check marks from this checklist is most likely the best fit for you and your DUI case.  Call David O Defense today 206-459-6392, to schedule a free legal consultation if you are facing a DUI charge.  Don’t forget to bring your DUI Attorney Checklist, to make choosing a DUI attorney easier!

 

 

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Likely 1st Round NFL Draft Pick, P.J. Williams, Arrested for DUI

Written by David O
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Likely 1st Round NFL Draft Pick, P.J. Williams, Arrested for DUI

Last Friday, March 3rd, former Florida State cornerback P.J. Williams was arrested for DUI.  Florida State University Police reports say that Williams was clearly under the influence of alcohol due to his slurred speech and swaying back and forth while standing. Williams, however is denying the DUI allegation, saying he was not drunk that day and that he is planning to fight the case to prove his innocence.

The 21-year old football phenom allegedly was pulled over by Florida State Univ. police around 3 am for making an illegal left turn while exiting a McDonald’s.  Police also say they saw him swerve and almost side swipe a curb.

During the DUI investigation, police say P.J. Williams attempted to play the famous athlete card… don’t you know who I am?  I’m a FSU football player, about to be drafted into the NFL…  Needless to say, it had no effect on police and they still arrested him for DUI and hauled him into jail.

Later that morning, P.J. posted the $500.00 bail and was released.  Since the DUI arrest, P.J. has hired a lawyer to defend his drunk driving charge.  A few days later, on the 7th he officially pled not guilty to the DUI charge.

His lawyer released statements about the DUI arrest saying, “He did have a drink or two earlier,” but he cut himself off hours before getting behind the wheel to because he was the designated driver that night.  “… he was taking everyone to McDonald’s.  “It’s what 21-year olds do.”

P.J.’s defense attorney is optimistic about the DUI case, telling reporters that Williams did not submit to the DUI breathalyzer test or a blood draw so there is no BAC (blood alcohol content) result.  Additionally, the video surveillance taken by the police car dash cam may actually help P.J.’s DUI case.

Williams is adamant he was not DUI and he and his attorney plan to fight the charge to the end, even if that means taking the case to trial.  P.J. is due back to court soon.  The NFL draft pick begins on April 30th, and hopefully P.J.’s DUI arrest won’t hinder his chances of becoming a pro ball player.

 

 

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