NFL fans in Ohio and around the country may recall the way Lawrence Taylor terrorized offenses and redefined the middle linebacker position during the 1980s and 1990s, but some may not know that the former New York Giant has also been involved in several unfortunate incidents off the field. Taylor’s latest brush with the law was settled on June 19 when he admitted in a Florida courtroom that he was impaired by alcohol when he was involved in a traffic accident in Palm Beach County in September 2016.
Taylor’s plea was part of a plea agreement that will see him lose his driving privileges for nine months and pay a fine of about $1,500. The two-time Super Bowl was also ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed in one of his vehicles and perform 75 hours of community service. However, reports suggest that Taylor will be able to buy out half of his required community service time at the rate of $10 an hour.
Taylor was taken into custody on suspicion of DUI by Palm Beach County police after allegedly sideswiping a motor home following an unsafe lane change. Reports indicate that a police vehicle was also damaged in the crash. Two breath samples provided by Taylor about five hours later are said to have revealed blood-alcohol levels of .082 and .084 percent. Drivers are considered legally intoxicated in Florida and around the country when they have blood-alcohol levels of .08 percent or higher.
Breath tests provide crucial evidence in many drunk driving cases, but the sophisticated equipment used by law enforcement may be inaccurate if it has not been properly maintained and regularly calibrated. Experienced criminal defense attorneys may check equipment service records carefully when breath test results seem at odds with other evidence, and they may seek to have DUI charges dismissed when these efforts uncover signs of incompetence or negligence.