Celebrities prove that when it comes to DUIs, no one is bulletproof

March 09, 2013

Some days, it seems like it's almost impossible to turn on the news or open a newspaper without reading a provocative headline -- complete with a not-so-glamorous mug shot -- about some star's DUI charge.

The latest in a long string of celebrity DUI arrests

One of the latest famous faces to hit the news with a DUI arrest was actor Thomas Gibson. The 50-year-old is most famous for his role as Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner in the hit television serious Criminal Minds. Gibson's character is a tough boss who rarely shows any chinks in his armor to the special agents who work for him. In reality, he, like everyone else, is a human being who makes mistakes.

According to the police, Gibson was stopped after driving through barricades set up for a half-marathon race. During the traffic stop, Gibson was asked to take a breathalyzer test but refused. While the consequences of a refusal to take a breathalyzer test varies from state to state, based on California law, Gibson's refusal immediately landed him in police custody. His bail was set at $15,000.

Country music legend, Randy Travis, is another notable celebrity whose fame could not protect him from a DUI charge. . On August 7, 2012, Travis's Trans Am hit several barricades in a construction zone when it veered off of a road about 60 miles north of Dallas. After the incident, police report that Travis was found lying on the road naked, with a blood alcohol level of 0.21, which if true would be nearly three times the legal limit. Because Travis pled guilty to the charge of driving while intoxicated, the accuracy of the device used to test his BAC was never put to the test. Travis's jail sentence was suspended; instead he was ordered to serve to two years of probation, pay a $2,000 fine, and complete a 30 days stint at an alcohol treatment facility. He must also use an ignition interlock device on his vehicle until his probation is completed. If the singer does not complete his probation requirements, he will face jail time.

A DUI is always serious business

As Gibson's $15,000 bail and Travis's probation requirements prove, even the rich and famous cannot take a DUI arrest lightly.

The Georgia blood alcohol content limit for drivers over 21 years of age is 0.08 percent and is 0.02 percent for those under age 21. And in the state, simply having a driver's license means you have automatically given consent to take a breathalyzer or blood test if stopped by a police officer who suspects that you may be driving under the influence. Refusing to take either of these two tests and your license can be revoked for one year.

A first DUI conviction is categorized as a simple misdemeanor and could result in ranging prison term from 10 days to 12 months, with a minimum of 24 hours and up to a $1,000 fine. And that's not all -- the offender's license will be suspended for 120 days. He will also have to perform community service and serve 12 months of probation.

The punishment for repeat DUI offenders is even harsher. If you are facing DUI charges, whether for the first time or after multiple offenses, you need the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney who will put on a strong defense and make sure your rights are protected.

Abstract: People frequently hear about Hollywood's elite getting charged with a DUI, but they don't happen just to celebrities. When someone is charged with a DUI, the consequences can be serious and life-changing.

Website: http://atlanta-duilawyer.org