Micheal Phelps, who is an Olympic swimming champion, is entering a six-week in-patient program. This comes after he was arrested for DUI charges in Maryland. The arrest happened on a recent Tuesday afternoon at a traffic stop.
According to reports, Phelps was traveling in a 45 mph zone at an 84 mph speed. When he was pulled over by authorities, he submitted to a Breathalyzer test and reportedly had a blood alcohol content of .14. This is above the state's legal limit of .08. He was arrested and charged with crossing double lines and operating at an excessive rate of speed.
Phelps was also charged with driving under the influence. This is not the first time he has been arrested for DUI, and back in 2004, he had his first DUI arrest. In regard to his new DUI charge, his trial date is November 19. He also agreed to participate in an in-patient program, which he entered on a recent Sunday and is expected to last six weeks.
In spite of the defendant's previous DUI arrest, he still has the right to defend against his new DUI charges. Having any type of DUI conviction can have severe consequences, including being unable to continue employment -- particularly when it comes to being an Olympic champion. The defendant will likely improve his chances from gaining an understanding of his rights and the criminal court procedures he will experience. Furthermore, he has the right to challenge any piece of evidence Maryland prosecutors intend to use against him at trial, including the Breathalyzer test. This may result in a favorable outcome for the defendant.
Source: wbaltv.com, "Michael Phelps says he's getting help after DUI arrest", , Oct. 6, 2014