David Cassidy Required to go to Rehab, Gets Probation, After Latest DUI

In the trial for his third DUI arrest since 2010, David Cassidy was given 5 years’ probation, and ordered to go to rehab.

Cassidy’s sentence including 60 months of probation, along with 90 days’ live-in rehab for alcohol abuse, in connection with his latest DUI arrest, which occurred in January of this year near the Los Angeles International Airport.

In addition to the rehab stint and probation, the former pop singer will also undergo a 9-month alcohol education course, and will pay some fines related to his DUIs.

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 manager stated that he had been in town for a deposition related to a lawsuit he filed against Sony Pictures Television for using his image without licensing. His manager said that her client had been doing well out of rehab, but fell off the wagon after stressful questioning.

“After attending his and his manager’s depositions, it appears as if the pressure led to a brief relapse,” manager Jo-Ann Geffen said.

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. After his January arrest, Cassidy stated that he would return to rehab, regardless of whether or not the judge would require it.

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 thebreathalyzers, 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.