Ohio residents may be aware that the popular television personality Steve Wilkos was involved in a motor vehicle accident on Jan. 21. The talk show host initially claimed that he lost control of his vehicle as he was reaching for his eyeglasses, but he has now admitted that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time. Reports indicate that Wilkos turned himself in to police in Connecticut on Feb. 21 after learning that a warrant had been issued for his arrest.
Police say that the 53-year-old seemed incoherent and smelled of alcohol when he was pulled from his damaged vehicle. Wilcos had allegedly been observed by officers driving erratically and at a high rate of speed through the streets of Darien before his car struck several objects, including a tree and a telephone pole, and flipped onto its passenger side. According to reports, police determined that Wilkos was driving with a blood alcohol level of .29 percent after obtaining a search warrant and examining his medical records. This is more than three times the .08 percent legal driving limit in Connecticut.
After securing his release by posting a $1,500 bond, Wilkos admitted to making getting behind the wheel after drinking in a statement. The talk show host blamed his error of judgement on a bout of depression and thanked his fans for their continued support and understanding.
Experienced criminal defense attorneys may advise their clients to make no admissions or confessions even when the evidence against them seems compelling. This is because drunk driving cases are not always as strong as they appear, and prosecutors may agree to reduce or dismiss DUI charges when toxicology tests have been performed improperly or with equipment that has not been adequately maintained.
Source: Fox News, “Steve Wilkos charged with DUI for January car crash, confesses to rehab stint”, Tyler McCarthy, Feb. 21, 2018
