DUI and Children Don't Mix
Driving drunk with children in the car is a recipe for disaster and, if convicted, exposes the defendant to increased sanctions imposed by the court.
During the holiday season, Hillsborough County, Florida police officers, including deputies with the HCSO and officers with the TPD, are patrolling the streets in increased numbers to crack down on the number of people driving impaired during the holidays. Unfortunately, some people feel the need to drink and then drive with their children. As recently as December 31, a Tampa man was arrested for DUI and at the time of his arrest he had six children in his car. He failed field sobriety excercises and provided a breath sample almost twice the legal limit.
It is important to note that the defendant charged in this case is innocent until proven guilty. In cases where the defendant is found guilty of DUI with minors in the vehicle, he may be found guilty of multiple charges including DUI and Child Neglect. The Hillsborough County State Attorney's office may seek sanctions including but not limited to: incarceration, increased fines, ignition interlock device and revocation of a driver's license for a lengthy period of time.
More importantly are the felony charges of child neglect. As a second degree felony, the defendant risks an adjudication of guilt, and will therefore be a convicted felon for the rest of his life.
