DUI Case Role Play: A Good Reminder
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Does DUI mean that the driver is weaving all over the road sloppy drunk? Not necessarily. This was found out by around three dozen high school students from Riverside. The consequences could be as severe even if you went behind the wheel drinking only one cocktail made with cranberry juice and vodka.
Students witnessed the final act of a role play – a DUI case for the trial of Amada Wallace played at Pittsburg City Hall. “You can be pulled over for not signaling or for leaving the lights out even if you’re the perfect driver,” said Karen Zelis Holder, Deputy District Attorney, during the closing remarks. “But if the police detected alcohol odor or saw signs of red, watery eyes, then they could conduct field sobriety tests right away.”
“Thank goodness no one got hurt,” she added, emphasizing that there were other passengers in the car. Then looking at the teenagers in the crowd, she warned “Abide by the laws if you are going to drink or you will end up here.”
This courtroom scene is part of a program named “DUI Court in the Schools” – a joint effort of state Department of Motor Vehicles, Sheriff’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Contra Costa County Superior Court, and participating school districts.
Tags: Amada Wallace, attorney, Deputy District Attorney, drunk, dui, Karen Zelis Holder, Riverside