Pop Star David Cassidy Takes Plea Deal, Pleads Guilty to Felony DUI Case
On Wednesday, September 3rd, David Cassidy pleaded guilty to felony DUI charges in Upstate New York, and as part of his plea deal, the DUI charges were reduced to misdemeanor.
Under the terms of the DUI plea deal, Cassidy will serve 50 hours of community service, and have an ignition interlock installed in his car. The former teen pop star is also currently in rehab for DUI charges, and in November, the Upstate New York judge will determine if Cassidy needs further treatment.
Cassidy entered the rehab program as part of a plea deal for a different DUI charge in Los Angeles in March. He was sentenced to three months in an alcohol rehabilitation program, and five years’ probation.
“The fact that he appeared here personally and pled guilty and took responsibility in person after completing treatment indicates he’s accepted this just as anybody else would,” Cassidy’s attorney said.
Cassidy has admitted to suffering from alcoholism, which has led to his multiple DUI charges and arrests.
“I’m just happy it’s over. Or almost over. I didn’t hit anybody. I didn’t smash my cars. I had my bright lights on. That’s why I got pulled over,” he said.
Reducing DUI Charges in South Carolina
The consequences of a DUI conviction are severe. A drunk driving conviction will affect your driving record, obligate you to obtain SR-22 auto insurance, and may cause you to lose your job, harm your career, or lose your professional license.
However, if you have been pulled over and charged for a DUI, it is important to know the answers to these questions:
- Did the officer have a legitimate reason, known as reasonable suspicion, to pull you over in the first place?
- Did the officer read you your Miranda rights in the Breathalyzer room?
- Did the officer inform you of implied consent?
If you are over 21 and you are convicted of DUI, your blood alcohol level (BAC) will be used to dictate the severity of your sentence for each type of offense (first DUI offense, second DUI offense, etc.). Keep in mind that the fines set forth below will more than double when you add in court costs and fees.
However, Breathalyzers can take faulty readings. Sometimes, any alcohol registering in your blood stream will lead to a DUI charge, whether or not you were actually impaired. Opinions regarding the reasons for the inconsistencies involving breathalyzers vary. The thermometers in the breathalyzers have been cited for some of these inconsistencies. A woman in Washington took her 2002 case to the Washington Supreme Court citing the unreliable nature of the Breathalyzers, specifically the thermometer used in the breath test.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with DWI or DUI Charges in South Carolina
If you face DWI or DUI charges, whether it is your first charge, or felony DWI or DUI, you could feel alone and afraid. Just because you drink and drive, especially if you are not the designated driver, does not automatically mean that you are guilty. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm have helped people who face DUI charges since 1996. We offer free, confidential consultations so you can discuss the facts of your case with impunity. Contact us for help today. 803.252.4800
