Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey Star Rick Malone Arrested on DUI Charges

Early Saturday morning, April 12th, Tampa Bay Lightning’s left wing Rick Malone was arrested on DUI charges, as well as for possession of cocaine.

The 34-year-old hockey star was arrested around 5:40 AM in Tampa, FL, according to a police report.

Reportedly, a police officer saw Malone’s SUV strike a curb, so the officer pulled Malone over. When he smelled alcohol on Malone’s breath, the officer asked Malone to take a field sobriety test, which Malone refused. However, once at jail, a Breathalyzer recorded Malone’s blood alcohol content (BAC) to be between 0.112 and 0.116. Florida law, like most other states, says that legal blood alcohol content is 0.08.

According to the arresting officer, he also found 1.3 grams of cocaine in Malone’s pockets.

Malone was released from the Hillsborough County Jail on $2,500 bond for the DUI charges. Police impounded Malone’s SUV, citing the hockey player’s 7 other traffic violations since last June, including a citation for driving on a suspended license.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said that the league was aware of Malone’s DUI and traffic violations situation and released a statement:

“We are aware of the situation this morning involving Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Malone. Under the terms of the collectively bargained joint NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program, Mr. Malone is subject to mandatory evaluation and, if deemed necessary by the Program Doctors, treatment pursuant to the terms of that Program. His future playing status, both in the near term and during the Playoffs, will be determined in accordance the terms of our SABH Program.”

Breathalyzer Test Results As Evidence in South Carolina DUI Cases

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.