A Legislative Assistant to U.S. Congressman Darren Soto Charged with DUI

July 12, 2017

A staffer for Democratic U.S. Rep. Darren Soto was charged with DUI after being accused of rear-ending a motorcyclist Friday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The woman is facing several charges stemming from an accident that left a motorcyclist with injuries. The legislative assistant has been suspended with pay.

The accident happened at about 10:24 p.m. Friday when a motorcyclist traveled southbound on State Road 417 near John Young Parkway. According to the FHP, the woman rear-ended the motorcyclist as she was driving her Nissan Altima.

The motorcyclist suffered a skull fracture and may have broken bones in her foot and hand. Emergency responders transported her to Orlando Regional Medical Center as a “trauma alert,” according to FHP. Doctors expect her to recover.

The FHP arrest report states that the woman’s two children were in the car with her: a 14-year-old in the front passenger seat and a 9-year-old in the driver-side rear seat.

An Orlando resident reported to authorities that she was returning from a work event where she had consumed two glasses of wine. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), she was heading to a friend’s house in St. Petersburg when the accident occurred. During the investigation, a trooper found a partially full can of beer in her Altima.

The FHP said an alcohol test found that her blood alcohol level was .119. The legal limit in the state is .08. The authorities charged the woman with DUI, causing serious bodily injury, driving with a suspended license, and child endangerment.

What Are the Consequences of a DUI Conviction?

A first-time DUI conviction in Florida results in severe penalties. You may face a jail sentence of 6 to 9 months, fines ranging from $500 to $2,000, and a mandatory driver’s license suspension for at least 180 days. You might need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

These consequences alone can be traumatic to someone who has never been in trouble with the law. However, if you were charged with a DUI with a minor in the car, things can get much worse. This charge carries a penalty of up to 9 months in jail, fines between $1,000 to $2,000, and a six-month requirement for an ignition interlock.

Prosecutors like to make examples out of DUI cases involving children. A DUI conviction with a child endangerment charge can wreak havoc on your personal and professional life. You must not delay and seek legal help immediately. Our Florida DUI Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton urge you to call us at 866-608-5529 to set up a free case evaluation. While we cannot guarantee your case outcome, we will do everything possible to achieve the best possible solution.