Lee County DUI Defense Lawyer :: Cape Coral Representative Dane Eagle Arrested for DUI

May 1, 2014

Southwest Florida State Representative Dane Eagle was stopped on Monday, April 21, after he allegedly ran a red light and struck a curb in Tallahassee near Florida State University.

The 30-year-old is accused of driving drunk and refusing to submit to a field sobriety test, according to reports.

Eagle had just left a Taco Bell near the university when Tallahassee police spotted him operating his vehicle in a manner that made them suspect he might be intoxicated. According to a police report, after Eagle was pulled over, he allegedly stumbled out of his vehicle and fell against the rear passenger side door.

Eagle told police that he had not been drinking. Police questioned why he smelled of alcohol and he allegedly told them he had been driving around with his friends who had been at the bar.

Eagle allegedly refused a field sobriety test and told the arresting officer that he was “good to get home.”

Following his arrest, Eagle released the following statement: “While there are some decisions that I would have made differently, I do not believe there is a complete and accurate picture of the events.”

Earlier this year, Eagle filed HB 1435, legislation that would require elected officials to be drug tested within 60 days of being re-elected or taking office. HB 1435 did not pass this legislative session because it did not receive a committee hearing.

Driving under the influence is a very serious charge in Florida, as well as any other state in the country. A first-time conviction for DUI may result in jail time, considerable fines, driver’s license suspension, community service and many other consequences. Furthermore, you may end up with a criminal record that can negatively impact your career, reputation and future employment opportunities. Those that have prior DUI convictions face severe criminal penalties that may include years in jail or prison, permanent driver’s license revocation and vehicle seizure.

If you have been pulled over by police and arrested or charged with a DUI, it is imperative that you request the presence of an attorney before answering any questions or providing law enforcement agents with any information. This is only to ensure that your rights are protected and that you do not further incriminate yourself. After being pulled over for driving under the influence in Cape Coral or Fort Myers, call a Lee County DUI Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton at 866-608-5529 or contact us online.