70’s Pop Icon Arrested on DUI Charges Again, Could Face Jail Time

Former 1970’s teen heart-throb David Cassidy has been arrested on DUI charges again, and could face jail time.

The pop idol was arrested on Friday, January 10th, in Los Angeles on charges of driving under the influence. This is his third DUI arrest since 2010.

According to reports from the California Highway Patrol, officers pulled 63-year-old Cassidy over near the Los Angeles International Airport after they noticed him making an illegal right turn at a red light. Officers smelled alcohol in his car, and had Cassidy perform a field sobriety test, which he failed. He also blew more than the legal alcohol limit on a Breathalyzer.

Police reports state that Cassidy’s blood alcohol level was 0.19. He was released from jail after several hours on $19,000 bail.

Cassidy’s first DUI arrest was in Florida in 2010. He was sentenced to a year’s probation, and his driver’s license was suspended for six months.

Just six months after that first arrest, as he got his driver’s license back, Cassidy was pulled over again in New York, and blew 0.10 on a Breathalyzer.

The DUI arrests came after Cassidy had completed a stint in rehab. He stated that, after the latest DUI arrest, he will return to rehab.

Breathalyzer Test Results As Evidence in South Carolina DUI Case

The question as to the reliability of breathalyzers has become a topic of great debate. Breathalyzers, or breath analysis, are one of the tools most commonly used by law enforcement to determine if someone is driving while under the influence of alcohol above the legal limit.

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.

Officers often use breathalyzers to establish probable cause in order to bring DUI suspects in for blood testing at a local hospital. While many experts have concerns about the accuracy of breathalyzers, they are used frequently when officers stop DUI suspects. However, police officers must follow a specific procedure to administer the test.

• South Carolina law dictates that the police officer’s video camera must begin videotaping as soon as the officer turns the blue lights on.
• Prior to administering the breathalyzer test the officer must have read and provided the implied consent notice, stating the consequences of a refusal to submit to a blood test, urine test, or breath test. Learn more about challenging breathalyzer tests.
• Roadside or field sobriety tests (FST) must have been properly administered, for the result to be used in court. Inaccuracies with FSTs are widespread and commonly challenged. Learn more aboutchallenging field sobriety tests.

Hire a DUI Lawyer to Challenge Your Breathalyzer Test

The criminal defense lawyers at the Strom Law Firm, LLC provide a free consultation to discuss the facts of a DUI case. Founded by a former U.S. Attorney, the team at Strom Law also includes a former Public Defender, and a former Assistant Attorney General and Richland County Assistant Solicitor. It’s awarded the highest Martindale-Hubble ranking and collectively holds more than 50 years of complex litigation experience. Contact us today for help with your DUI case. 803.252.4800.