Drunk Driving Cases Handled
by Attorney Patrick T. Barone

People vs. L.M.

57^th District - Allegan

Here our client was charged with OWI first.  He was an Ohio resident who met in Michigan for a work meeting/dinner. He was unfamiliar with the town and was unable to locate the 131 South ramp while attempting to drive back to Battle Creek. He pulled over onto the shoulder, turned his hazard lights on, and attempted to contact a co-worker via cell phone for directions. An officer pulled up next to him and asked if him if he needed assistance. The officer detected slurred speech and blood shot eyes. The officer activated his lights and requested that our client step out of the car for the field sobriety test.  Our client failed the tests and had a .09 blood alcohol level according to the roadside breath test. During a thorough cross-examination, the defense was able to demonstrate for the jury several inconsistencies in the officer’s testimony as well as his failure to adhere to the Standardized Procedures for Field Sobriety Tests.

Result:  Not Guilty - Jury Deliberated for approximately 20 minutes!