Member of Famous Racing Family Arrested for DUI in West Virginia
Bobby Dale Earnhardt, the grandson of NASCAR Hall of Fame member Dale Earnhardt and a racer in his own right, was arrested for DUI in West Virginia on Monday, August 12th.
Earnhardt, 25 years old, is a driver in the ARCA Truck series and has plans to break into NASCAR. “I’m an Earnhardt through and through,” Earnhardt said in an interview earlier in August. “Racing runs through my blood. The adrenaline.”
Earnhardt was reportedly pulled over by Charleston, WV, police just before midnight after they found him driving erratically. The arresting officer said he saw Earnhardt’s vehicle make a wide left turn at high speed, squealing the tires through the turn. When he was pulled over, the officer said Earnhardt’s eyes were glassy, his speech was slurred, and there was a strong odor of alcohol inside the vehicle. When he failed field sobriety tests, the officer took him to police headquarters.
When tested, Earnhardt’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was found to be 0.193, over twice the legal limit of 0.08. He told the arresting officer that he had had two shots of liquor at a local bar. He spent the night in South Central Regional Jail after being charged with first-offense driving under the influence, a misdemeanor, and was released Tuesday morning after an arraignment.
If convicted on the first-time DUI charges, he could face up to 6 months in prison and a $500 fine.
The ARCA Truck racer issued an apology to his fans via Facebook on Tuesday, August 13th, for his DUI.
“I wanted to let you all know I made a terrible mistake last night drinking and driving and I am thankful nothing bad happened from my stupidity and I know It could have.”
He added, “I’m sorry for letting all my fans friends and family down and I hope I can make it up to each and every one of you and in the future be a good role model. I will continue to move forward with my racing career and I hope I continue to have your support thanks.”
DUI Penalties in South Carolina
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.
If your BAC is between .08% and .09%:
- Jail sentences for a first DUI can range from 48 hours to a maximum 30 days, although community service can be given in lieu of jail time.
- Fines can range up to $400, plus court costs and fees.
- You will additionally lose your driver’s license for six months.
If your BAC is between .10% and .15%:
- Jail sentences for first DUI charges can range from 72 hours to a maximum 30 days, although community service can be given in lieu of jail time.
- Fines can range up to $500, plus court costs and fees.
- You will additionally lose your driver’s license for six months.
If your BAC is .16 or higher:
- Jail sentences for first DUI charges can range from 30 days to a maximum 90 days, although community service can be given in lieu of jail time.
- Fines can range up to $1,000, and you are required to enroll and successfully complete an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP).
