Claudia's Arrest

Name: Claudia
Arresting Agency: JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Charges:

• #1 Driving Under the Influence Of Alcohol Or Chemical Substance; Faculties Impaired

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Police Report:

On 08/01/2019, at 2326, I responded to a location in reference to assisting campus police with a possibly impaired driver. Upon arrival, I met with Officer [Redacted], who provided the following statement:

"I was dispatched to a disturbance in a campus dorm parking lot. Information stated that a female caller advised a male had them blocked in and would not allow them to pull out. An additional caller, [Redacted], reported that he was at the dorm parking lot and observed two female students in a vehicle attempting to leave and believed them to be intoxicated. He stated he was standing behind the vehicle, preventing them from leaving.

Upon arrival, I made contact with the driver, [Redacted]. She was seated in the driver’s seat, with the vehicle running, and appeared to be in actual control of it. I immediately detected a strong odor of alcohol on her breath. The subject’s eyes were bloodshot, watery, and her speech was slightly slurred. When asked if she had been drinking alcohol, she denied it.

The driver did not have her license and fumbled for her student ID. She admitted she had been at a party in another dorm room but refused to specify which one. Based on my 25 years of law enforcement experience, I believed the driver to be intoxicated and called for a DUI unit, which arrived shortly thereafter."

-END OF OFFICER STATEMENT-

I spoke to the witness, who was still on scene. The witness advised that he saw the suspect and believed she was intoxicated in a nearby area on campus. He followed her, concerned she was going to drive away. The witness believed the suspect was possibly impaired due to her slurred speech and unsteady gait. He attempted to prevent her from driving by trying to take the keys away from her.

I observed that the suspect was still seated in the driver’s seat, and a passenger was in the front right seat. As I spoke with the suspect, I noted her bloodshot, watery eyes, flushed face, and strong odor of alcohol. She was also unsteady on her feet when she exited the vehicle. I briefly spoke to the passenger, who was seated and exhibited slurred speech, a strong odor of alcohol, and watery eyes.

While the suspect stood in front of my police car, I observed a noticeable sway. After explaining the reason for my presence, she requested an attorney. I explained the situation, read her Miranda rights, and did not question her further. When asked to perform field sobriety exercises, she agreed, displaying numerous clues of impairment.

When I informed her of her arrest and attempted to place handcuffs on her, she resisted, requiring me to use additional force to secure her. It should be noted that the suspect was unable to provide a driver’s license.

The passenger was also arrested for possession of an alcoholic beverage as a minor and was not eligible for a Notice to Appear due to her intoxicated state.

Both individuals were transported and booked into the detention facility.


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Court:

Plea of Guilty and Negotiated Sentence

• Probation:

  • The individual is placed on probation for 6 months, with adjudication withheld (meaning the conviction is not formally entered on their record as long as they complete the terms of probation successfully).

• Reduced Charge:

  • The charge has been amended to Reckless Driving under Florida Statute 316.192, which is less severe than a DUI conviction.

• Fines and Costs:

  • The individual must pay $451 in fines and court costs.

• DUI Level 1 Program:

  • The individual is required to complete a DUI Level 1 program, which includes a victim awareness panel. This program typically consists of classes that educate individuals on the consequences of impaired driving.

• Community Service:

  • The individual must complete 50 hours of community service. However, half of these hours may be eligible for a “buy-out” option, where the individual can pay a fee in place of some community service hours.

• Presentations:

  • The individual is required to deliver two 15-minute presentations to clubs or groups at the University of North Florida (UNF) regarding the dangers of driving under the influence (DUI).

• Acknowledgment of Sentence:

  • The individual acknowledges that this sentence is to their advantage and that they voluntarily entered their plea without coercion or promises of early release.

• Waiver of Rights:

  • By pleading guilty, the individual waives certain constitutional rights, including the right to trial by jury, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to appeal the judgment.