There are many creative ways to avoid a DUI conviction. One is to not drive after you drink. However, if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being pulled over under suspicion of drunk driving, this is a DUI arrest case of what not to do. Don’t make junior take the wheel.
According to a report from CBS Austin, Hector Villarreal, age 53 of Austin Texas, did just that. He asked his passenger to drive. Villarreal decided that the best option was to change seats, and let someone who was not drunk be in the driver’s seat when he was pulled over (since he knew he was going to be pulled over).
Mr. Villarreal’s problem was that his passenger was his 15-year-old son. No, Mr. Villarreal is not going to win any “Father of the Year” competitions, but apparently, he did teach his son to tell the truth. So upon questioning, the child informed the police that his father was the driver up to the point they were going to be pulled over. According to the report, “the teenager told the police his father was driving from Round Rock when he saw the patrol car and ask him to get behind the wheel and start driving.” [1]
DUI Arrest Case
Needless to say, after 3 or more prior Driving While Intoxicated convictions, Mr. Villarreal is facing Felony DUI charges in Texas. The nearly empty bottle of Jim Beam in his pocket will not help his case either.
Now, the “learning moment” of this story, is that you should not drink and drive, and if you do, don’t let your honest 15-year-old son behind the wheel.
According to the report, Villarreal admitted to taking medication prior to the incident. Don’t say, “I took a bunch of pills before I started driving.” That is not a defense, and it does nothing to help your case. Don’t make up a story, just remain silent. The police hate that, but it really can benefit your case.
Source
1. Katherine Rodriguez. December 12, 2016. CBS Austin. Retrieved via http://keyetv.com/news/local/apd-drunk-man-concerned-about-dwi-makes-15-year-old-son-drive
Find 1.800.NoCuffs on social at:
http://www.twitter.com/1800NoCuffs
http://www.facebook.com/NoCuffs
http://www.instagram.com/1800NoCuffs
For more information on 1.800.NoCuffs founding attorney Darren Kavinoky, please visit:
https://www.darrenkavinoky.com
http://www.twitter.com/DarrenKavinoky
http://www.facebook.com/DarrenKavinokyFanPage
