License suspension upheld in Indian River County Administrator’s DUI
June 23rd, 2009 by TCPalm.comVERO BEACH — The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles upheld its suspension of County Administrator Joe Baird’s driving license for refusing to take a Breathalyzer test May 16, a state official said Monday.
Vero Beach Police charged Baird with DUI and cited him for speeding. The cases are scheduled to come up for court review on July 22 in Indian River County Court.
Under state law, Baird’s license was automatically suspended for refusing to take a roadside breath test for alcohol. His attorney, Bobby Guttridge, appealed the ruling, saying Baird wasn’t properly advised of the penalties for refusing the test.
The state department held a hearing in Fort Pierce, and the suspension was upheld.
Now Baird can apply for a restricted license for business purposes only. Guttridge could not be reached for comment Monday.
Baird was driving on a temporary permit. His regular license was confiscated at the time of his arrest on 21st Street.
A DUI conviction includes a mandatory six-month suspension.
Because this is Baird’s first Breathalyzer refusal, the administrative suspension is for one year, versus 18 months for a second-time refusal, state officials said.
Baird was arrested after work in his own car while going from a community fundraiser near Wabasso to a bar in Vero Beach, court files show.
By Elliott Jones
Tags: alcohol, appeals, arrest, attorney, bars, beach, car, communication, court, driving, Florida, fundraising, police, restrictions, safety, speeding
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June 23rd, 2009 at 12:53 pm
This guy has a history of drinking and driving and FLORIDA will possibly issue him a special LICENSE to drive to work (Now Baird can apply for a restricted license for business purposes only)
ASSIGN someone to monitor this drunk’s driving so that the rest of society can drive without fear of him being on the road yet again in an impaired condition.
I guess being a County Administrator has it’s perks after all!
June 23rd, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Can anyone tell me why the police can DENY legal counsel when they arrest you for DUI???
My son was picked up and is awaiting a hearing. He was told that “you’re not getting one” when he asked for an attorney 3 times INCLUDING before he was told to take a breathalyzer test. He was on tape at the Palm Beach County jail on Gun Club when they wanted him to blow. He asked politely for an attorney as he was only 22 years old and had no knowledge of the process and his cell phone was taken from him by the arresting officer before he could call anyone.
Please let me know if this “intimidation tactic” is LEGAL!?!?!?!