Republican Delegate Don Dwyer has been charged with drunk driving a second time, shortly after he admitted to the press that he was struggling with alcoholism and his lawyer claiming that he had "been sober since" his first DUI, as reported by the CBS Baltimore.
The first DUI charge occurred while Dwyer operated a boat and injured several people in 2012, and the second time was while driving his car haphazardly in and around other vehicles on August 20, 2013.
The Anne Arundel County Police arrested Dwyer – a few weeks after he had pleaded guilty to the 2012 DUI charge – after midnight in Pasadena. An officer witnessed him driving a gray Cadillac erratically on Route 100.
Justin Mulcahy, the Anne Arundel County Police spokesman said, "The officer was immediately concerned for the safety of everyone on the road. It was driving erratically to say the least. It crossed over several lanes of traffic multiple times, onto the shoulder several times as well, even getting in front of vehicles."
The report states that Dwyer was driving 70 mph in a 55 mph zone, additionally, his vehicle registration was expired and suspended for emissions.
One he pulled Dwyer over, the arresting officer noted that Dwyer smelled of alcohol, his speech was slow and slurred and his eyes were glassy and red. Dwyer then proceeded to fail three field sobriety tests. He also refused to take a breath test.
Earlier in 2013 Dwyer admitted his alcohol addiction to members of the press. Dwyer allegedly said, "Once you admit you're an alcoholic, it's not something that goes away. It's something you deal with the rest of your life."
In regards to the boating DUI, in which 7 people were injured and his blood alcohol level proved to be twice the legal limit to drive, Dwyer said, "No one, no one should be drinking while operating a motor vehicle or a power boat."
In the course of the interview Dwyer asked that voters to accept his apology for his actions.
After the DUI while boating charge David Fischer, Dwyer's attorney, said, "I'm pleased to announce he's been sober since the day this happened."
Once Dwyer was charged with the second DUI Anne Arundel County Republican Del. Ron George commented, "Out of concern for others who could be harmed and for Don Dwyer himself, I call on him to resign and get help."
As the DUI charges are misdemeanors, and do not relate to his position as a lawmaker, Dwyer cannot be expelled.
Michael Busch, House Speaker, D-Anne Arundel, said, "Del. Dwyer's future in the Legislature will be decided by his own conscience as he considers whether he can effectively represent his constituents or, ultimately, by the voters of District 31."
Dwyer has since been released from jail while awaiting charges for the latest DUI and sentencing from his first.
Whether arrested for operating a boat or a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs, contact a DUI attorney for help with your case right away!