Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Thursday December 10, a Longwood woman allegedly kicked a Florida Highway Patrol officer, sideswiped one vehicle and crashed head-on into another, and drove with her 5-month-old baby in the back seat of the vehicle, according to an article at the Orlando Sentinel. Troopers say 22-year-old Carlene Musselwhite was driving drunk when all of this occurred.
Following the two incidents with other vehicles, troopers found Musselwhite after a resident in the neighborhood she was in helped her out of her vehicle, and called 911. Upon their arrival, troopers found the baby in the back seat of the vehicle. They noticed that Musselwhite had bloodshot eyes and smelled of alcohol, according to the arrest affidavit. Musselwhite did not deny she had been drinking, telling officers she had been at a work event; however she did say she was not impaired. She was put into handcuffs after failing two field sobriety tests.
Three troopers had to wrestle Musselwhite into the back of a patrol car after she refused to get in. Once in the vehicle, she reportedly kicked a window out of its frame. A sergeant arrived after the troopers removed her from the patrol car. Upon trying to put her into his own car, she allegedly kicked the sergeant.
Musselwhite is charged with DUI, two counts of hit-and-run, and battery on a law enforcement officer. She is being held without bond.
News reports indicate Musselwhite had been found guilty of felony battery in 2012, and was on probation – the reason she fought troopers, as she said she “could not go back to jail” because she would remain there for five years.
When someone is charged with DUI or any criminal offense, criminal history can make a difference in the penalties or punishment that individual may face if found guilty. Even without a prior felony conviction, those convicted of driving under the influence may face jail time, substantial fines, driver’s license suspension, probation, community service, a criminal record, and more. When a person is a repeat offender, the consequences become more serious.
Anyone in Lansing, Detroit, Grand Rapids, or nearby areas in Michigan arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs must secure capable legal counsel. Your legal rights may have been violated; there may be legal options to help you avoid harsh punishment. It is often possible to have charges dismissed or reduced, depending on the circumstances. Never plead guilty or answer police questions without first consulting with a skilled Michigan DUI attorney.