David Cassidy, once America’s sweetheart, a ‘70’s heartthrob pop idol, and one of the stars of the massively-successful Partridge Family, was arrested on DWI (driving while intoxicated) charges in Upstate New York on the morning of Wednesday, August 21st.
According to reports, Shodack area Police Officer Tom Jones was conducting a DWI check, when he stopped Cassidy in the early hours of Wednesday morning, just outside Albany, NY. Cassidy was reportedly stopped at first because he failed to dim his rental car’s headlights.
“When that happens, it’s obvious the driver could be intoxicated,” police Chief Bernard Peter said. “And, in this case, he certainly was.”
When the officer introduced himself, Cassidy reportedly said, “What’s up, pussycat?” which is a reference to pop star Tom Jones’s song, “What’s New, Pussycat.”
Jones said that he smelled alcohol on Cassidy’s breath, so he administered a field sobriety test with a breathalyzer. Cassidy’s blood alcohol content registered at .10 – the legal limit in most of the country is 0.08 – and he was arrested on felony DWI charges. After being transported to Rensselaer County Jail, he posted $2,500 bail.
Cassidy, 63, spends part of his summer in Upstate New York, but lives in Florida. He was reportedly on vacation with his fiancée.
“He got off at the wrong exit,” Peter said. “He was a gentleman the whole time. His fiancée was not intoxicated so we allowed her to take the vehicle.”
According to Chief Peter, Cassidy was arrested on felony DWI charges because of another DWI conviction in 2011.
Felony DWI or DUI Charges in South Carolina
- A person will be charged with a felony for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both, if while operating the vehicle under the influence, the person causes “great bodily injury” or death to a person other than himself including a passenger, pedestrian, another driver.
- Great bodily injury is defined by the state of South Carolina as bodily injury, which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious or permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
- Additionally, if the injured person dies from related complications (such as a coma) within three years of the DUI-related injury, the driver may be implicated in the death.
- Upon conviction of a felony DUI by jury, the accused faces a minimum mandatory prison sentence and fine.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Felony 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