Former Nickelodeon Star, Amanda Bynes, was arrested this week for Driving Under the Influence after police determined that Bynes was under the influence of an “unknown drug.” California Highway Patrol allegedly observed Bynes’ vehicle stop in the middle of the intersection after approaching a red light. CHP pulled Bynes over and requested that she perform field sobriety exercises, which she was allegedly unable to complete.
Bynes is reportedly due in court on October 23, 2014.
While Bynes’ recent arrest would typically be charged as a misdemeanor offense, there are some complications in light of the fact that Bynes was sentenced to three years of probation in February stemming from her 2012 DUI arrest.
In Florida, a Second DUI within 5 years of a prior DUI conviction is punishable by 10-270 Days in county jail, a fine of $1,000-$2,000, probation of up to 1 year, 5 years of a driver’s license suspension, 30 days of vehicle immobilization, and 1 year of ignition interlock.
Additionally in Florida, a new arrest while on probation could lead to a violation of probation on the prior charge. This means that in addition to facing criminal liability on the new charge, probation could be terminated as “unsuccessful,” and the original sentence on the underlying crime (in this case it would be the first DUI) could be reinstated.
A Florida criminal defense attorney can review a violation of probation case and determine the proper steps to be taken in defending the VOP. Sometimes, attorneys are able to file motions for in court surrender to avoid jail, or to negotiate with the state attorney to have the terms of probation reinstated. Each case is different. Anyone facing a probation violation in Florida should contact a Florida criminal defense lawyer.
Further, anyone charged with a DUI in Palm Beach County should contact a Palm Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer to review their defense options.
Casey Reiter is an associate attorney at Stuart R. Manoff & Associates, P.A. in West Palm Beach, Florida, practicing in the areas of Criminal Defense and Marital Law.
Casey Reiter Appeals, P.A. 