Earlier this year, former Atlanta Falcons player Jamal Anderson was arrested for allegedly driving drunk in Georgia. A drunk driving arrest often comes with serious consequences, especially when one is later convicted of the charge. However, Anderson will avoid some of the consequences that are often associated with DUI charges. According to reports, the former NFL star has had the DUI charge dismissed.
Since his arrest in July, the former NFL player has maintained that he was not driving drunk when police pulled him over for impeding traffic and driving too slowly on the road in DeKalb County. He claimed that he was driving drowsy when police conducted a traffic stop and arrested him for DUI.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Anderson’s DUI charge was dismissed but the former Falcon player did plead guilty to reckless driving. A judge sentenced Anderson on Monday to 12 months of probation.
In addition to probation, Anderson will need to do more than 60 hours of community service and successfully participate in a defensive driving program. The former NFL player will also need to pay $700 in fines and attend a drunk driving impact panel.
A DUI arrest can have a significant impact on one’s life. An arrest for allegedly driving drunk could result in consequences such as a driver’s license suspension, academic penalties, fines, jail time or the loss of one’s professional license. A DUI conviction can also ruin reputations and affect future job or academic opportunities.
For these reasons, many folks choose to work with a criminal defense attorney who is experienced with handling a variety of DUI cases. When facing serious criminal charges, folks need someone on their side who will fight to reduce charges and legal penalties in order to protect their futures as best as possible.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Former Falcon Jamal Anderson pleads guilty to reckless driving,” Alexis Stevens, Dec. 17, 2012
- Our Athens, Georgia, firm provides counsel to those who want to fight drunk driving charges and other alcohol-related offenses in order to protect their futures. To learn more about our firm and practice, please visit our firm’s defending DUI charges page.