Dustin Deese, a lawyer with Trenam Kemker, has been arrested for DUI. Deese was stopped at the intersection of Waters Avenue and Benjamin Road after 1:00am. He failed a field sobriety test and the arresting officer noted slurred speech and the odor of alcohol. Deese correctly refused a blood alcohol test which have, at times, been shown to be inaccurate. He was released after posting $500 bond.
In the St. Pete Times article, there is no discussion as to why the officer stopped him in the first place. At this point, the basis for arrest relies solely on the officer's observations of Deese's behavior and demeanor at the time he was stopped. As we know, any stop by a law enforcement officer can be a nerve wracking experience. The officer arrested him on the suspicion of impairment. In our judicial system, he is assumed innocent until proven guilty. The burden of proof lies with the prosecutor and the law enforcement official who made the arrest.
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