Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

Police Chief Jeff Tyson of the Lantana Police Department is preparing for an unpleasant legal encounter of his own. After the incident on April 4, Tyson will be having his own day in court. Tyson was operating an unmarked police car on Wednesday afternoon when he rear-ended a sheriff’s deputy from the Palm Beach County’s Sheriff’s Department. After hitting the car, Tyson drove off without a word. The deputy turned on his emergency lights and followed Tyson.

Once on the side of the road, Tyson said, “What do you want? I only bumped into you.” When Boca Raton police arrived to question him about the crash, Tyson was reported to say, “I tapped him in the a**…no big deal.”

Tyson was handcuffed and charged with a DUI and leaving the scene of an accident. When his blood alcohol levels were tested, they came back at three times the legal limit. He was reported to smell strongly of alcohol, and a cup with a red liquid that smelled like liquor was found inside of his vehicle.

Though his judgment was marred by alcohol consumption, Tyson’s behavior creates the impression that he feels above the law. Though there may have been a time when someone’s in Tyson’s position could have expected some leniency in the courts, those kinds of exceptions are becoming a rarity. Tyson may be a Sheriff, but he is also a citizen. The only thing that matters in the State of Florida’s legal system is that he broke the law.

No matter who you are, make no mistake: if you find yourself on the wrong side of the law you need to seek immediate legal representation from a reputable criminal defense attorney. Law enforcement officials are not immune to arrest, trial and conviction. A case like Tyson’s will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If you have been charged with a crime, make sure you seek expert council from a criminal attorney who can offer you a competent defense.

Mike Tyson, former boxing star, recently told of how he avoiding being arrested for a DUI because the arresting officers were impressed by his fame. He was pulled over while high on cocaine. Though he anticipated big trouble when he saw the police car attempting to pull him over, Tyson was greeted by the grins a couple of boxing fans.

In typical form, Tyson pushed the envelope. He asked the star-stricken officers for a ride—to his drug dealer’s house. Without question, the star-struck officers of the law escorted Mike Tyson to the address he gave them. He didn’t even have his driver’s license, but the police didn’t ask him for identification, anyway.

When the people at the drug house saw Tyson being led in by two police officers, they ran. The officers instructed them to assure Tyson was taken safely home, but he actually ended up walking quite a distance because the presence of police caused everyone else at the house to flee.

Stories like this often encourage people of position to think that they, too, might get the soft-glove treatment from criminal courts should they be charged with a crime. White-collar criminals hear stories like Tyson’s and think they might also be cleared of all charges, and walk away back to their comfortable lives. This can be a tragic mistake, however. Criminal courts are now taking a no-tolerance attitude to any and all charged with a crime. They are mandated to act on all criminal charges, and to prosecute all cases to the fullest extent of the law.

If you find yourself charged with a crime, be sure that you use your head. Refusing to answer questions and requesting an attorney is not an indication of guilt. It is simply an indication that you are thinking clearly, and that you know your rights. Secure competent defense to be assured that your case receives the thorough and expert attention that you deserve.

Angela K. Schultz, 34 years old, was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty on March 28, 2012 to aggravated vehicular homicide. She had three previous convictions for operating a vehicle while under the influence. Because she had continued to drive drunk even after she had previously received probation, court ordered treatment and counseling, and jail time; Common Pleas Judge Richard Berens said that Shultz deserved to receive the maximum sentence. She will receive an additional 3 years because of her pervious convictions.

Schultz caused a head-on crash while driving drunk, taking the life of a young mother in 2011. Sarah K. Renko of Lancaster, Ohio was a single mother who worked part-time, and was devoted to her infant son. One-year-old Randall James Renko was also in the car. He was safely ensconced in his car seat, and survived. Sarah Renko’s parents are raising Randall. They were present at the trial, as was 18-month-old Randall, who is now saying his first words.

If you are arrested for driving under the influence, do not make the mistake of taking it lightly. Even if it is your first offense, being found guilty of a DUI will be on your permanent record. Some think that the law goes easier on first-timers, but a first-time conviction for a criminal charge like DUI will follow you. It will mean that prospective employers, licensing departments and lenders will all be aware that you have been convicted of a crime.

Should you be arrested for a DUI, your first move should be to seek skilled legal representation. A criminal attorney will know your rights under the law and will be able to assure you receive your full rights, and due justice. Because of the emotional nature of cases like these, having a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can completely change the outcome of your case, and your future.