Accusations of driving under the influence can have serious legal ramifications. Those convicted of charges could face fines, jail time, probation and/or loss of their driving privileges, possibly inhibiting the person’s ability to get to and from work. One man in Georgia is likely considering his fate after police recently stopped him for drunk driving, and police body cameras recorded him allegedly attempting to bribe an officer.
According to the police report, the man was stopped for drunk driving in the early morning hours of Friday, June 3. Officers claim that the 24-year-old man passed an officer who was directing traffic, and did not heed the officer’s hand motions as to traffic flow. When stopped and asked why he did not obey the officer’s hand motions, the alleged suspect stated that he thought that the officer was waving him through.
During the stop, an officer claims that he smelled alcohol on the driver’s breath. The officer then asked the driver to perform a field sobriety test, which the driver refused along with a breathalyzer test. The officer then began arrest proceedings, and allegedly found a half-empty beer can in the floorboard of the front passenger seat. While seated in the back of the police car after the arrest, the driver supposedly tried to bribe the officer with cash and alcohol in order to reduce his charges.
Those facing drunk driving and other criminal charges have several options available to them. For example, they can fight their cases in court or accept plea deals for lesser charges. Most people in Georgia have found that seeking the guidance of a defense attorney can help them make informed decisions while ensuring that appropriate action is taken in the event that their rights are violated as they navigate through the criminal justice system.
Source: 11alive.com, “VIDEO: DUI suspect tries to bribe officer with beer”, La’Tasha Givens, June 9, 2016