When you are arrested for DUI in Destin, Florida, you may feel ashamed or alone, afraid to tell your friends, family members, and co-workers about your encounter with the Destin police. While DUI convictions do carry serious criminal and administrative consequences such as jail time and driver’s license suspension, they do not define who you are as a person. In addition, you’d be surprised by how many individuals have DUI convictions on their records. Celebrities, actors, musicians, and politicians are notorious for DUI arrests. Below are some of the more famous DUI arrests in the state of Florida.

Mel Gibson

In 2006, while visiting Miami Beach, Florida, Mel Gibson was pulled over for speeding by law enforcement. When the officer saw an open container of alcohol in the car, Mel Gibson was ordered out of the car to engage in field sobriety tests. He was ultimately arrested for misdemeanor DUI. During his arrest, Mel Gibson berated the arresting officer, making his infamous anti-Semitic remarks. He later pled guilty and received three years of probation. He was lucky he did not get significant jail time. During probation, he was ordered to go to First Offenders Program (unavailable in Northwest Florida) meetings and self-help meetings and pay a $1,300 fine. His driver’s license was suspended for 90 days. In addition, Gibson faced media onslaught for his anti-Semitic comments. Despite issuing apologies, this incident, coupled with an alleged domestic battery against a former wife, tanked his career.

Flo Rida

Rapper and music mogul Flo Rida, named after his home state, was arrested in Miami Beach in 2011 for driving under the influence while behind the wheel of one of the world’s most expensive cars. Flo Rida owned a rare red-and-black Bugatti, which costs about $1.7 million retail. While in his Bugatti in Miami, he was spotted swerving around during the wee hours of the morning. Local police stopped him and conducted field sobriety tests when alcohol was smelled on his breath. He tested at a .185 blood alcohol concentration (BAC). He failed the sobriety tests and was arrested for DUI. Rather than facing jail time, Flo Rida entered the First Offenders Program, where he completed classes, community service, and self-help meetings in exchange for a reduction of charges from DUI to reckless driving. Unfortunately for tourists and locals alike, there is no first offender program for DUI in the First Judicial Circuit (Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa or Walton counties).

Mickey Rourke

Mickey Rourke, famed for his roles in Sin City and Iron Man, was also pulled over in Miami Beach for suspicion of drunk driving. However, instead of driving one of the most expensive cars on Earth, Mickey Rourke was attempting to operate a scooter. While driving a green scooter around 4:00 a.m. in 2007, Mickey Rourke was trying to make a U-turn but was swerving wildly. He was pulled over, and officers observed bloodshot eyes, alcohol on his breath, and slurred speech, though Mickey Rourke insisted he was sober. He failed field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer test and was arrested for DUI. However, a second breathalyzer test showed he was actually under the legal limit. His charge was substituted to reckless driving as a result of skilled plea bargaining by his lawyer. By the way, many inaccurately call a substituted charge of reckless driving a “reduction”.  He pled guilty and received six months of probation, 50 hours of community service, and fines.

Call One Of Florida’s Best Defense Lawyers To Help With Your Destin DUI Arrest

When facing a driving under the influence, you need to think smart. Stephen G. Cobb is a Board Certified Specialist in Florida Criminal Law, one of only a handful in the entire state and the only one in Okaloosa County. He can help you make smart decisions regarding your DUI case by scrutinizing your arrest and evaluating your options. Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen G. Cobb is an experienced Destin DUI charge defender. Call 850-651-6565 now to schedule a convenient and free initial consultation.

Cobb Criminal Defense Law Firm1992 Lewis Turner Blvd, Suite 101-BFort Walton Beach, FL 32547

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