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Seattle Seahawk Marshawn Lynch: DUI Case Dismissal Denied

Written by David O
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Seattle Seahawk Marshawn Lynch: DUI Case Dismissal Denied

This past Friday, Seattle Seahawk running back, Marshawn Terrell Lynch, was denied by California Judge, Yolanda Northridge, to dismiss his 2012 DUI charge.  Lynch’s DUI attorney also made a motion to suppress evidence during the same court appearance but Judge Northridge also declined the motion.

Marshawn Lynch, aka “Beast Mode”, has been fighting this DUI charge since the Summer of 2012.  He was pulled over by the California Sate Patrol early morning on July 14th for erratically driving in and out of lanes.  According to state patrol officers, Lynch was behind the wheel of a white Ford van and almost side-swiped two other cars while traveling on Interstate 808.  The state patrol officers suspected Lynch had been drinking and began investigating him for possible DUI (driving under the influence).

Allegedly, the power house football player failed the DUI sobriety tests.  He was arrested and taken to the Alameda County Sheriff Department’s North County Jail in Oakland where he submitted to a breath test, which of course came up positive and was over the legal limit of .08.  Official charges of DUI were filed against Lynch on July 18th and he and his DUI defense lawyer plead not guilty to those charges in August 2012.

Beast Mode has been fighting his DUI charge for over a year now and will continue to do so, since Judge Northridge denied his DUI dismissal.  As of now he has a jury trial date set for December 27th, just two days before the Seahawks final regular season game against the Rams on December 29th.  Lynch’s DUI lawyer plans on continuing the case into the new year so court dates won’t interfere with critical football games.

We will keep you updated on Marshawn Lynch’s DUI trial and case outcome.  We will also keep you posted on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s reactions to the case results.  If found guilty, Lynch may face harsh NFL punishments especially since he will be a repeat offender in the eyes of Goodell.  Over three years ago, Goodell suspended Lynch for three games due to a misdemeanor weapons conviction.  Since then, Marshawn Lynch has stayed out of trouble except for this 2012 DUI charge.

Good Luck Beast Mode with your DUI case, and Go Hawks!

 

Written by S.O

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“What Not To Wear To Court” – Advice From Defense Attorney David O

Written by David O
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“What Not To Wear To Court” – Advice From Defense Attorney David O

Often times I am shocked when I show up to court and see a room full of inappropriately dressed people.  I think to myself, “Is this REALLY how someone wants to present themselves to a judge who is going to determine their case issues of law and possible penalties at the sentencing phase of the criminal case?”

About 2 years ago, I represented a client who was charged with DUI based on smoking marijuana.  God bless my DUI client, she loved to smoke weed but I couldn’t believe she wore a Bob Marley blunt smoking shirt to our court appearance.  You don’t need to be dressed like you are going to a funeral but you shouldn’t wear a T-shirt displaying the crime you’ve been accused of.

Another instance of what not to wear; I was in Seattle Municipal Court and noticed a young lady who was charged with prostitution.  I’m not one to judge a person’s appearance but if you are facing a charge of prostitution you probably shouldn’t come to court looking like you just got off “work.”  If you are charged with prostitution or any other criminal charge for that matter you should not wear a mini skirt, 5 inch heels and a v-neck tee barely supporting your large chest.

Another fun what not to wear sighting came out of Lynnwood Municipal Court where I observed a defense attorney dressed like he just came straight to court from an all night out of drinking.  Although he was dressed in a suit, it looked as if it had not been dry cleaned since he bought it in 1993.  It smelled like it hadn’t been cleaned since then either.  This defense attorney’s shirt was so wrinkled it looked like he was wearing it while demonstrating how to stop drop and roll as if his clothes had been on fire.  Again, you don’t need to dress like you are going to the Emmy’s but come on…criminal defense attorneys should dress as if they really care about their client’s case.

In a nut shell, here’s WHAT NOT TO WEAR to court;

  • a tank top or short shorts
  • a baseball cap, hat, or doo rag
  • short skirts or short dresses
  • T-shirts with inappropriate graphics
  • flip-flops or slippers
  • soiled or stinky clothes
  • ripped or torn clothes

When going to court you should dress as if you were attending church or meeting your significant other’s parents for the first time.  You don’t necessarily need to wear a new suit but you want to look like you respect the court system and you respect yourself.

 

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Mark Mullins Pleads Guilty To Seattle DUI Fatalities

Written by David O
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Mark Mullins Pleads Guilty To Seattle DUI Fatalities

Remember the terrifying incident of repeat drunk driver, Mark Mullins,  plowing his pickup truck into the family crossing the street in the Seattle neighborhood of Wedgewood.  The DUI crash killed both grandparents, Dennis and Judy Schulte, and critically injured their daughter-in-law, Karina Schulte, and newly born grandson, Elias Schulte.

This past Thursday, 51-year-old Mark Mullins pleaded guilty to all five criminal charges filed against him; 2 counts of vehicular homicide (DUI), 2 counts of vehicular assault (DUI), and failure to comply with court ordered installation of an ignition interlock device.  Originally, Mullins plead not guilty to the DUI charges, however, he changed his plea to guilty in order to take advantage of a lower sentencing recommendation by the State.   State prosecutors have made a recommendation of 18 years of prison for Mullins’ DUI charges, a term too short and unjust for Dan Schulte, husband to Karina and father to Elias, who had hoped for a sentence of life in prison.

During the court disposition, Dan Shulte expressed his feelings on Mullins changing his plea to guilty, “While nothing can undo the damage to our family created by Mr. Mullan’s destructive choice to drive while intoxicated, we’re relieved that he’s decided to accept responsibility for his actions.”

Mark Mullins has had a long history of alcohol and drug abuse.  In the early 1990’s, Mark was arrested three times for DUI, and twice for DUI in 2012.  Allegedly Mark has had an addiction to heavy drugs, such as cocaine, of which cost him his marriage and job as an electrician.  His ex-wife claimed court ordered DUI education classes and alcohol sobriety programs were ineffective for Mark as he could only stay sober for 60 days until binging again.

“I hope he gets the treatment that he needs, so that when he does get out, that this doesn’t happen again,” said Marilyn Schulte, sister to Dan, who stood by her brother’s side during the court proceedings.

Mark Mullins is due back in court on November 15th for sentencing where the judge may follow the State’s recommendation of 18 years in prison or the judge could impose a longer sentence.

Fortunately for Dan Schulte, his family’s health continues to improve in big ways.  Karina, who suffered a severe stroke as a result of the accident, is now able to walk, recognize people, and communicate with limited speech.  Karina is still undergoing rehab to work on speech.  Baby Elias’s recovery has been miraculous as he is acting normal for his age but still suffers from limited vision.  Baby Elias is scheduled for a second brain surgery early next year.

 

Written by S.O

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