A middle school teacher was arrested for DUI when sheriff's deputies pulled him over on suspicion of drunk driving. A witness who had observed Ronald Jodwalis called to report Jodwalis because he was "all over the road and going to kill someone." When Jodwalis stopped at a BP gas station, deputies approached Jodwalis and observed him eating what appeared to be a yellow piece of paper. It turned out the paper was the wrapper of a food item that Jodwalis had been eating in his vehicle.
Jodwalis repeatedly admitted to drinking at a bar when deputies spoke with him according to deputies. Deputies reported that Jodwalis also indicated he drank a lot of vodka and stated multiple times, "I'm drunk." When breath tests were administered, Jodwalis registered a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .314, .285 and .289, which is about three times the legal limit under Florida DUI law. Polk County DUI lawyer John Musca said that Jodwalis faces a very difficult situation because his blood alcohol level is above .15 which may result in an increased fine. A report also indicated that this was a 4th DUI for Jodwalis.
Musca explained that the penalties for DUI under Florida DUI law escalate if an individual has repeat offenses. A fourth DUI conviction can result in a fourth degree felony conviction and sentencing as a repeat offender. A person convicted of a 4th DUI can be sentenced to a maximum of 5 years in state prison and a fine of not less than $2000 and not more than $5000. "Any DUI arrest is serious, but a person facing sentencing as a repeat offender may suffer very serious long-term consequences. It is important to consult an experienced Florida DUI lawyer in such a situation who will be able to assess potential defenses and mitigating factors in sentencing," said Musca.
If you are arrested for a DUI in Polk County especially if you have a prior DUI conviction, Musca advises that you invoke your right to counsel and your right to remain silent. An experienced DUI lawyer will be able to investigate such issues as the validity of the initial stop by the officer, the propriety of field sobriety and breath or blood testing, as well as other factors that may allow the attorney to defend the charges in court.
