Police Officer In Apopka Arrested And Charged With DUI After Crash
According to a report from the Orlando Sentinel, an officer of the Apopka Police Department has been arrested and charged with a DUI and several other offenses in relation to a crash. Sara Muni, 31, is facing a number of criminal charges after a physical altercation with the other motorist involved in the collision. In this article, our Orlando DUI defense lawyer discusses the charges and explains the key things to know about drunk driving accident charges.
Apopka Police Officer Pushed Driver, Made Threats After Alleged Drunk Driving Collision
The motor vehicle collision at issue in this case occurred near the intersection of East Anderson Street and South Bumby Avenue in Orlando, Florida. Officers from the Orlando Police Department responded to the scene of the crash. Upon arrival, they determined that Sara Muni, an officer of the Apopka Police Department, had pushed the other motorist and made verbal threats. Ms. Muni is also accused of holding the other driver’s door shut so that he could not exit his vehicle. The responding officers observed signs of intoxication. However, Ms. Muni refused to submit to a DUI test. She was arrested and charged with several different criminal offenses.
An Overview of Criminal Charges Filed in this Case
Due to the altercation at the scene of the accident, the defendant—the Apopka police officer—is facing a number of different criminal charges. Specifically, she has been charged with:
- DUI (First Degree Misdemeanor): The defendant is facing a first degree misdemeanor DUI charge. Though she refused to provide a DUI chemical sample—which itself can result in an automatic administrative license suspension—she was still arrested for suspected drunk driving. A first degree misdemeanor DUI in Florida carries a maximum one year in jail.
- Battery: The defendant is also facing a battery charge for the alleged physical contact that she made with the other motorist during the altercation. In Florida, misdemeanor battery also carries a maximum one year term in prison.
- False Imprisonment: Finally, the defendant is facing a false imprisonment charge for allegedly preventing the other motorist from exiting his vehicle. False imprisonment occurs when a person restrains another against their will, without lawful authority. It is the most serious charge in this case. It is a third degree felony offense in Florida.
The Apopka Police Department told reporters that this officer has been suspended from the police force without pay while the matter is being adjudicated, in accordance with department rules.
Contact Our Orlando DUI Defense Attorney for Immediate Help
At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando drunk driving defense lawyer fights aggressively to protect the rights and the future of our clients. If you or your family member was arrested and charged with a DUI in relation to an accident, we can help. Contact us now for a strictly private consultation. We provide DUI defense representation throughout Central Florida, including in Apopka, Winter Park, Winter Garden, Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, Sanford, and Altamonte Springs.
Source:
orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-ne-dui-charge-apopka-police-officer-20221117-dufljue7ondchapdnhqvyyl6tm-story.html
