Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Friday, August 8, 58-year-old Fred Horvath was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Henderson, NV. Horvath is the Assistant City Manager, and was placed on leave from his position while an investigation into the DUI incident continues, according to a news article at NBC News.
Other news sources claim that Horvath was pulled over by an officer riding a motorcycle in the vicinity of Wigwam Parkway and Green Valley Parkway in the early afternoon hours. At the time of news reports, Horvath was arrested for DUI, but changes had not been filed pending blood test results from the Henderson Detention Center.
Horvath was Henderson’s human resources director beginning in 2009 until the point he was named assistant city manager in October of last year. In his position as Assistant City Manager, Horvath was responsible for Henderson’s utility services departments, information technology, public works, parks, and recreation, and community development and services. Horvath was not on duty when he was arrested.
Whether Horvath’s blood tests indicate his blood alcohol level was above the legal limit will likely determine whether he is arrested. In the state of Michigan, individuals can be charged with driving under the influence even when their blood alcohol content (BAC) is not above the legal limit of .08 percent. Known as OWVI or operating while visibly impaired, individuals may be charged with this offense regardless of blood alcohol content, based on police observations and opinions. Individuals who are found guilty of OWVI will face criminal penalties that include possible jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, and more.
Drunken driving is a serious offense, one that is punished harshly in most states across the nation today. In Michigan, a third DUI offense is a felony, and will result in harsh penalties including driver’s license revocation for those convicted.
It is imperative that anyone arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs consult with a skilled and aggressive Michigan DUI lawyer. You must take action to protect not only your freedom, but your legal rights and reputation.