A taxi driver picked up an intoxicated patron at a Hernando County bar and dropped him off a local gas station. The man then started screaming obscenities towards the driver. After words had been exchanged, the intoxicated individual left on his bicycle and rode into the middle of State Road 50. Fearing for the man's safety, the taxi driver contacted the authorities to report the drunken driver.
Officers approached the rider, 45-year old Jeremy Bowen, and he immediately jumped off of the bicycle. The authorities noticed the defendant smelled of alcohol, slurred his speech and had difficulty maintaining his balance. At first Bowen denied riding the bike and then he eventually admitted to drinking 5 beers at a bar before accepting a ride from a taxi.
The rider failed field sobriety testing and agreed to submit to a breathalyzer test. The driver possessed a blood alcohol content of .234; this is almost three times the Florida legal limit of .08. Officers arrested the driver and charged him with DUI and additional bicycle traffic infractions.
Pursuant to Florida Statute 316.193, an individual may be convicted of driving under the influence if they are operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .08 or above. Florida law does not discriminate between what constitutes a vehicle, whether it is operated by an engine or man power.
If you or a loved one has been arrested on charges of DUI, contact a reputable defense attorney for help with your case. The attorneys at Musca Law have over 100 years of combined legal experience with proven successful results. Contact Musca Law for a free comprehensive review of your case.
