A man currently representing his community as its commissioner, has pleaded guilty to DUI and will be able to drive only if he installs an ignition interlock device, which may also result in a car camera after a new law is effective July 1, as reported the Cleveland Daily Banner.
J.Y., Bradley County's 5th District Commissioner, entered his guilty plea in Bradley County General Session Court. He was originally arrested for suspicion of DUI in December 2012.
After he agreed to have his driving privileges revoked for a full year, he was allowed the special restriction of driving with an ignition interlock device, commonly referred to as the IID, in place.
According to the prosecuting attorney for the 10th Judicial District, Brooklyn Townsend, J.Y. must also pay a $350 fine, spend 48 hours behind bars – less time already served – and attend a DUI course.
Having the IID in place, Townsend said, would be a "win-win situation" in providing public safety.
Beginning on July 1, a new law goes into effect that could also require cameras to be placed in the interiors of the cars of DUI offenders. The IID works to help prevent a drunken person from starting their vehicles. However, the camera will insure that the alleged offender doesn't use someone else to blow into the IDD, which could effectively bypass the system and put the public at risk.
J.Y.'s incident began when former Cleveland Police Officer T.P. was sent to investigate reports of a black Dodge Challenger that drove in the wrong direction. Officer T.P. located the vehicle, now parked, and approached the driver's window and tapped on it to get the occupant's attention.
When J.Y. rolled down his window Officer T.P. immediately detected a strong alcohol smell emanating from the car. J.Y. gave the officer his identification and offered that he "had just stopped there to rest" by way of explanation.
J.Y. allegedly failed to pass several standard field sobriety tests, was taken into custody and driven to the Bradley County Jail.
According the officer J.Y.'s blood alcohol reading was .12 percent.
A statement issued by J.Y. to reporters said, "With great humility, I have acknowledged my responsibility for an act which is unacceptable. I pledge to my constituents and the county, as a whole, that I have and will continue to work diligently to perform my duties and do what is best for our community. I am thankful for the prayers and support, which I have received. Those who know me know that I have redoubled my efforts to be an informed commissioner who does what I truly believe is right. I have done so in this instance. It is only right to admit my mistakes, pay the consequences, and be a better person for the experience."
Attorneys Ken Miller and James Logan are representing J.Y. in the case.
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