Jacksonville Jaguars Rookie Justin Blackmon Pleads Guilty to Aggravated DUI :: Whittel & Melton

July 27, 2012

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie wide receiver Justin Blackmon let his lawyer enter a guilty plea to aggravated DUI on his behalf Tuesday in Oklahoma. He was not in attendance.

As part of the plea agreement, Blackmon will serve no jail time as he completes 50 hours of community service and pays a $500 fine. Blackmon’s case will not go on to trial.

On June 3, Blackmon was arrested for aggravated DUI after allegedly blowing a 0.24 and 0.26 on breathalyzer tests conducted by police.

Blackmon was arrested after he was selected by the Jaguars in the first round of April’s NFL Draft.

As a result of the guilty plea, Blackmon will likely enter the NFL’s substance abuse program and be subject to counseling, random drug testing and suspensions for any additional incidents.

Under Florida law, a DUI may be charged as a misdemeanor or it may be charged as a felony. There must be aggravating factors for a DUI to be charged as a felony. Basically this means that the circumstances surrounding a DUI arrest add up to being worse than a typical misdemeanor DUI.

The following circumstances are usually considered aggravating factors in DUI cases:

• Receiving multiple DUI violations
• Blowing a .15 or higher on breathalyzer tests
• Having a minor in the vehicle with you at the time of your arrest
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• DUI manslaughter
• DUI involving serious bodily injuries
• DUI involving property damage

Even without any aggravating factors, a DUI charge in Florida should be taken serious. A conviction could result in jail time, probation, community service and alcohol education classes. In addition to these punishments, there are usually costly court fees and fines that you will be forced to pay. The Florida DUI Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton may be able to help you avoid the potential consequences associated with a DUI conviction.

By contacting us as soon as possible, we can get to work investigating your case for any flaws which could result in the charges against you being reduced or dropped entirely. We can review the tests that were performed and the actions of the arresting officer to determine whether your rights were violated in any way. We are intimately familiar with how the system works and can apply the best DUI defense for your unique situation.

If you or someone you love has been arrested for drunk driving anywhere in the state of Florida, contact the Florida DUI Defense Attorneys at Whittel & Melton online or call us statewide and toll-free at 1-866-608-5LAW (5529).