| Dec 9, 2025 | Case: 25-CT-001756 | Judge Hitzemann |
| Facts: | A 7-11 employe called the police stating that the defendant was doing weird things in the store like sweeping the floor, stumbling, had been there for a few hours, and slurring his words. When officers arrived, they saw the defendant's truck improperly parked and him sitting in the driver's seat. They noticed an odor of alcohol, slurred speech, poor balance, and bloodshot eyes. He performed very poorly on the field sobriety tests and was arrested for DUI. He later refused a breath test. | |
| Defense: | The defendant told the cops the truck was inoperable and that is why he was there for a few hours waiting on someone to pick him up. Officers had no idea if he drank before driving or while he was there. After his arrest, we could see the tow truck driver on video not being able to start the truck and then having to push it. We spoke to the prosecutor and explained that the truck was inoperable and they could not prove that he became intoxicated after it became inoperable. Under Florida law, the defense of inoperability can only be used if one became intoxicated after the car became inoperable. The State agreed and Dropped the DUI. | |
| Result: | The State dropped the DUI. | |
