A Missouri state legislator is accused of driving while intoxicated after being arrested on two separate occasions in Jefferson City. Court documents released on April 7 show that the man, Rep. Steve Hodges, is facing drunk driving charges in connection with an event that occurred in early April, along with allegations stemming from a February traffic stop. The 65-year-old legislator was first elected in 2006, but he will be required to step down in the near future because of term limits.
The defendant was arrested for DWI offenses on April 2 after officers received reports of a driver sleeping behind the wheel near a church. The man drove onto a nearby grassy area when a Cole County sheriff’s deputy approached. He was taken into custody and given a breath test, which showed that his blood alcohol content level measured at 0.17 percent. That is more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
This man could have considered refusing a breath test, which may have had implications for his criminal case. A Missouri attorney may be able to educate clients about best practices during a traffic stop for DWI offenses. Refusing a breath test can be a valid strategy for some criminal defendants. In fact, the legislator employed that strategy during his first DWI traffic stop this year.
In addition to the April incident, the man is facing charges in connection with a February arrest. In that case, the man chose to refuse a blood alcohol test, and he was given a summons for alleged DWI. A court hearing in late April will determine whether the man’s license should be revoked in connection with the February incident; court proceedings have yet to begin in the April case.
Source: The Kansas City Star, “Missouri state Rep. Steve Hodges charged with two DWIs” Jordan Shapiro, Apr. 07, 2014