Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and “Dancing With The Stars” winner, Hines Ward, has been charged with driving under the influence in Atlanta, Georgia. The charges were initiated on July 9, 2011, when Ward’s 2009 Aston Martin swerved, striking a curb. A local police officer observed the erratic driving, suspected a DWI, and followed Ward. He observed Ward make several unsafe lane changes, which gave the officer probable cause to stop the vehicle. When confronting Ward, the officer claims to have observed his bloodshot eyes, flushed face, and a strong odor of alcohol coming from him.
Ward allegedly failed field sobriety tests. He apparently refused to take a chemical test when requested to by the officer. However, Ward agreed to take a portable alcohol test, the Alco-Sensor FST, at the scene of the arrest, which he may have known (or spoken with an attorney about) is not admissible in court. The Alco-Sensor reportedly revealed a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of 0.128. Similar to New York State, the legal limit for intoxication in Georgia is 0.08 percent or above.
Ward was booked in the DeKalb County Jail, and released the same night on a $1,000.00 bond. He is charged with the misdemeanor of driving under the influence of alcohol, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail, and a maximum fine of $1,000.00. Ward will also be facing a possible suspension of his driver’s license, regardless of the outcome of his DUI case, for refusing to take a breathalyzer.
A court date has not been set. If Ward were to be convicted of a DWI in New York, he would be facing up to a year in jail, a 6 month suspension of his driver’s license, a maximum fine of $1,000.00, surcharges, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device in his vehicle for one year. Ward would also be looking at a 1 year revocation of his driver’s license if he was found to have refused the chemical test at the “Refusal Hearing” which is conducted by an administrative judge at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Contact the Westchester County DWI attorneys at the White Plains, New York Law Office of Mark A. Siesel online or toll free at (914) 428-7386 if you are charged with a DWI, aggravated DWI, or a traffic infraction for a free consultation to discuss your rights and legal options.