In a very rare occurrence, two DUI arrests were made this week in Spring Hill. What made the arrests unique were the vehicles being operated. In both arrests, which occurred in the early morning hours of September 1st, the accused was riding a bicycle.
Both Robert Steudl and Oswaldo Davila are facing DUI charges in connection with bike rides while drunk. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Davila has faced charges like this.
As a matter of fact, according to the St. Petersburg Times, the last DUI while bicycling arrest that occurred in Spring Hill involved Mr. Davila. That was in 1999 and just goes to show how rare these charges are.
Of course, it seems like a rational decision. Bring the bike to the bar to avoid driving drunk. The flaw in this thinking is that DUI laws apply to bicycles just like they do cars or even wheelchairs. It doesn’t matter if you are behind the wheel or behind the handlebars, you can be charged with DUI if you are operating any vehicle while under the influence.
When Steudl was arrested he had bruises and scratches on his body and face, evidence that he had fallen off the bike at some point. He was found riding in the middle of westbound Spring Hill Drive. Unfortunately, Steudl thought he was on Deltona Blvd.
Steudl’s blood alcohol level was tested to be 0.265, which is more than 3 times the legal limit. Although it is a good thing he wasn’t behind the wheel of a car, he could have still been involved in a tragic accident, with a blood alcohol level that high.
DUI cases in Florida are a dime a dozen. Cases like this are rare and get people’s attention. However, if you are the one facing DUI charges, it doesn’t matter where you were or what you were driving, the police probably got your attention right away!
Facing Florida DUI charges is difficult and you need an experienced DUI attorney with you when you go before the judge. Call me immediately to discuss the details of your case and to see how I can help.