California Actress Heather Locklear Charged With DUI for Prescription Drugs
California actress Heather Locklear has been formally charged with DUI, reports the Santa Barbara, California District Attorney’s Office. Not alcohol. Not illegal drugs.
Prescription drugs.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Lee Carter refused to comment about the medications or amounts Locklear took, but noted, “Lab tests showed she had no alcohol in her system and no illegal narcotics of any kind. We believe that the prescriptions she was taking could have impaired her ability to drive a motor vehicle safely."
In July 2008, Locklear was treated for anxiety and depression, and many believe the prescription drugs in her system at the time of the DUI may be related.
On September 27, 2008, California Highway Patrol said the actress showed “obvious impairment” when an officer saw her car parked on a highway and blocking a lane in Montecito, but alcohol was ruled out almost immediately. She was tested for drugs on suspicion of DUI at a police station and quickly released.
Heather’s arraignment is scheduled for January 26, 2009 in a Santa Barbara court.
Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County
Locklear’s erratic driving drew attention from other motorists and then the California Highway Patrol, because erratic driving may be the result of ingestion of alcohol or drugs. In California, it is unlawful for any person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to drive.
If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you will be charged with driving under the influence or DUI if apprehended. You could face a fine and jail time if convicted.
Heather Locklear Charged with DUI: Prescription Drugs LATimes.com, November 18, 2008
Prescription Drugs Cited in Heather Locklear DUI, Chron.com, November 17, 2008
Related Web Resources
California DMV on drunk driving and field sobriety tests
California DMV: if you are pulled over for DUI, what happens?
If you have been arrested and charged with DUI in San Diego county, then trust your case to an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney. Attorney Victor A. Orsatti will explain your legal options during a free consultation.
