Prominent Republican Retires After DUI, Calling Copy “Donut Boy”
The most powerful man in the Kansas legislature retired after he pleaded no contest to reckless driving, DUI, and calling an officer of the peace “donut boy”. It’s hard to convince your constituents that you respect law enforcement when you’re calling them names for the sake of aggravating them while you’re operating your vehicle in a dangerous manner.
The senator was stripped of his leadership role but allowed to retain his seat. However, he announced his plans to retire stating that his 14 years of public life has been long enough. The 70-year-old Republican announced his plans to retire on January 2 of 2023.
The arrest
Officers received reports of an SUV driving the wrong way and completely out of control. He was apprehended and a chemical test showed his BAC was more than twice the legal limit. No one was injured as a result of the driving. The senator was sentenced to two days in jail and he will be required to serve one year of probation. Because of the deal, prosecutors dropped a felony charge of attempting to elude law enforcement. The original sentence called for 6 months and 90 days but the sentence was suspended in lieu of one-year probation.
This brings up an interesting question. Is it better to take the 7.5-month jail sentence or deal with an entire year of probation?
Jail versus probation: Which is better?
If you’re choosing between 7.5 months in jail versus one-year probation, you might be intrigued to discover that jail actually has several advantages. The most obvious advantage is that you get 5.5 more months where you no longer have to deal with the State of Florida. You won’t have to pay all the associated and exorbitant fees with DUI school, probation officers, and everything else.
Nor are you required to go through substance abuse or mental health treatment counseling. Lastly, if you end up violating the terms of your probation, you can end up in jail anyway.
It’s important to understand that the requirements of DUI probation in Florida are so stringent that it’s almost like you’re working a part-time job. But you’re not. Instead, you’re bleeding money. So, while you may be able to serve a year in your community, you will end up spending a good deal of your time meeting with probation officers, treatment counselors, substance abuse officers, presenting tox screens, and staying away from people, places, and things that trigger substance use.
For a lot of people, jail is just less of a hassle and after you serve your sentence, your burden to the state is over. Some folks opt to do weekends or work release, so they can continue their employment while completing their jail sentence.
Talk to an Orlando DUI Attorney Today
FL DUI Group can help you go over your options if you are facing an Orlando DUI charge. Call our Florida DUI defense lawyers today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help.
Source:
apnews.com/article/business-legislature-kansas-topeka-wichita-8688bba80470c0d77dbd5d816f71a352
