Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Saturday July 5th, Cleveland Browns’ wide receiver Josh Gordon was arrested on a charge of DWI in Raleigh, NC according to a news article at USA Today. Gordon has a history of drug issues, and was pulled over in the early morning hours after a police officer spotted him driving 50 mph in a 35 mph zone.
According to Jim Sughrue, police spokesman, Gordon was taken to the Wake County Detention Center after being pulled over on U.S. 70. It was not clear whether Gordon was arrested for DWI because of alcohol or another substance, and when asked, Sughrue said that he could not comment on testing Gordon had undergone, or the results of those tests. It was revealed however that Gordon’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was .09, just above the state’s legal limit of .08. Gordon admitted that he had consumed three drinks. An article at ESPN stated that there were no drug charges filed against Gordon, and that he was released after posting a $500 bond.
Gordon is scheduled to appear in court on the charges on August 26; at 23 years old, he could potentially face suspension by the NFL for one season due to a failed drug test. According to news reports, Gordon was stopped for speeding in early June, and was suspended in 2013 for four games due to the use of codeine, however he played two of the games without pay.
Driving while impaired, driving under the influence, operating while intoxicated – all of these terms are usually associated with consuming alcohol, although an individual may face the same charges for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of illegal or narcotic drugs as well.
Individuals who are arrested on charges of driving under the influence face serious consequences if convicted. In the state of Michigan, a first offense will leave the offender facing up to 93 days in jail, fines, driver’s license suspension, community service, and more. A third offense is a felony, with criminal penalties that include up to five years in prison, fines of as much as $5,000, driver’s license revocation, possible vehicle forfeiture, and other penalties.
Driving while under the influence of any substance that can impair your ability to safely operate a vehicle, whether drugs or alcohol, is extremely serious. In order to protect your freedom and reputation, it is vital to work with a skilled and aggressive Michigan DUI attorney who is dedicated to reaching the best possible results in every client’s unique situation.