Law Enforcement Officer In Central Florida Arrested, Charged With DUI In Relation To Multi-Vehicle Crash In December

According to a report from ClickOrlando, a Hillsborough County detention deputy was arrested in mid-March and charged with DUI offenses in relation to a crash that happened in December of 2022. 37-year-old Shastri Khan is facing charges because of a four-vehicle collision that happened in Polk City. He was found with an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. Here, our Orlando drunk driving defense attorney provides a comprehensive overview of the charges filed in this case.

Officer Initially Cited for Open Container, Charged With DUI Based on Chemical Test 

As reported by ClickOrlando, criminal DUI charges were not initially filed against Mr. Khan. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office cited him for an open container of alcohol that was found in the vehicle. Under Florida law (Florida Statute § 316.1936), it is unlawful to possess an open container of alcohol in a vehicle while it is being operated or while it is parked on a public roadway. The penalty for violating this statute can include fines, community service, and/or points on your license.

Police officers for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office took a blood sample from Mr. Khan. Based on the results of the chemical test, he had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .289. For reference, that BAC number is nearly four times the legal limit in Florida. It is a very high level of intoxication. Mr. Khan was charged with two separate DUI offenses: 1) DUI with a BAC of .15 or higher and, 2) DUI causing property damage and personal injury. 

Aggravating Factors Can Lead to More Serious DUI Charges in Florida 

In Florida, a DUI charge can be elevated to a more serious offense if certain aggravating factors are present. Two common aggravating factors that can result in more serious DUI charges are a high blood alcohol content (BAC) and causing property damage or personal injury while driving under the influence. Here is a more comprehensive overview:

• High Intoxication DUI: A BAC of .15 or higher is considered a significant aggravating factor in DUI cases in Florida. In these cases, the defendant may face more severe penalties, including increased fines, mandatory ignition interlock device installation, longer license suspensions, and even jail time. Additionally, having a high BAC can be used as evidence of impaired driving and can increase the likelihood of a conviction.
• DUI Accident (Property Damage/Injury): DUI causing property damage or personal injury is another aggravating factor that can result in more serious charges. In these cases, the defendant may be charged with felony DUI, which carries more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences and higher fines. The severity of the property damage or personal injury caused by the defendant’s actions will impact the severity of the charges. 

Speak to Our Orlando, FL DUI Defense Lawyer Today

At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando DUI defense attorney fights aggressively for justice. If you or your loved one is facing any type of DUI charges—including a felony offense—we are here to help. Give us a call now or connect with us online to schedule your completely confidential initial legal consultation. We defend drunk driving charges in Orlando and throughout the whole of Central Florida, including in Orange County, Seminole County, Lake County, and Brevard County.

Source:

clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/03/22/hillsborough-detention-deputy-faces-dui-charges-months-after-crash-polk-sheriffs-office-says/