Former Police Deputy Has DUI Sentence Doubled
By Aguilar & Sonnonstine
Aug. 11, 2011 4:03p
Orange County Judge Enacts Harsher Penalty When Suspect Arrives In Court Drunk
After pleading guilty to multiple charges, a former deputy with the Orange County sheriff’s office received a relatively lenient sixteen-month sentence in prison from the presiding judge.
This offer was changed, however, when the deputy allegedly arrived in court in June showing signs of intoxication. As per the terms of his plea deal, the deputy was not allowed to consume any alcohol whatsoever.
Upon his arrival at the court hearing on June 10th, several bailiffs for the court noticed that the deputy was having trouble keeping a balanced footing and smelled of alcohol. The prosecutor moved to have him taken back into custody and his bail bond increased to $250,000.
The judge agreed, postponing the hearing in light of this new development. After deliberating, the judge decided not to file any additional charges against the deputy. Instead, he changed the terms of the plea deal, doubling the sentence to thirty-two months. The defendant chose to accept the new conditions rather than change his plea to ‘not guilty’.
Formal Deputy Accused Of Prescription Drug Abuse
According to the prosecution, the officer scammed multiple doctors into prescribing him medication, obtaining large amounts of oxycodone and opana. By moving on to different doctors and inventing false stories, he was able to avoid notice for almost a year.
His deception was uncovered after he was involved in two car accidents in one day, leading to the severe injury of an elderly woman.
Arrested on suspicion of DUI, the man was eventually charged with driving under the influence, obtaining a controlled substance through fraud, and selling a substance in lieu of cocaine.
A Criminal Defense Attorney In Santa Ana
If you have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, it is vital that you act quickly to answer your charges! With the help of a skilled Santa Ana criminal defense lawyer, it is possible to aggressively protect your rights. At the Law Offices of Aguilar and Sonnonstine, you can receive the defense you need.
Act now! Contact a Santa Ana DUI defense lawyer today!
