If you have been reading our Athens, Georgia, DUI defense law blog for awhile now, you probably have a good understanding of the types of charges and consequences folks may face when accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
You might also have been surprised by some of the charges individuals have faced over the last few months in the Athens area that have not involved drunk driving. For example, even walking home from the bar while intoxicated or passing out on a public bench after too many drinks could result in criminal charges. Just last week, one man learned the hard way that driving a golf cart while intoxicated can result in DUI charges in Georgia.
Last week, a 21-year-old man was spotted driving a golf cart on Ruth Drive by an Athens-Clarke County police officer. According to the Athens Banner-Herald, the incident occurred during the early morning hours of June 14. Police reported that the man was operating the golf cart — which belonged to the Classic Center — without any headlights on.
When the man was stopped by an officer, he told the officer that he had noticed that the golf cart was tipped over on its side in parking lot. After tipping the cart upright, the man said that he decided to take the golf cart for a test ride to make sure that is was still working properly. Apparently, the man had too many alcoholic drinks before taking the golf cart for a ride. Police charged him with DUI and theft by receiving since the golf cart did not belong to him.
Reports have not indicated why police suspected the man of DUI.
Source: The Associated Press, “Police: Man driving golf cart belonging to Athens convention center is charged with DUI,” June 15, 2012