DUI Reduced to Reckless Driving

Client was stopped by the police for failing to maintain lane while proceeding down the onramp to I-85 South. After making discovery demands to the State and receiving the video evidence, I determined that there was reasonable articulable suspicion for the traffic stop. Client explained that the reason for failure to maintain lane was due to the fact that he was reading directions from his phone. (**Note: reading or looking at a cell phone is an extremely common reason for weaving resulting in traffic stops) Client exhibited 4 out of 6 clues on the HGN Test: lack of smooth pursuit and distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation. Client exhibited 4 out of 8 clues on the Walk and Turn Test: stopped while walking, missed heel-to-toe on the first and second sets of 9 steps, and completed an improper turn. Client exhibited 1 out of 4 clues on the Walk and Turn Test: raised arms to balance. Client also exhibited a positive result on the Alcosensor device (field/roadside breath test). On the state adminsitered breath test (Intoxilyzer 9000) client blew a .08. Prior to jury trial and on attorney's advice client completed all requirements for a first in lifetime DUI. After meeting with the solicitor and discussing client's criminal and work history combined with all mitigation efforts, client's charge was reduced from DUI to reckless driving keeping him from having a DUI conviction on his permanent criminal history and avoiding a suspension of his driver's license. This case was handled by Bill Hardman.