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Hillsborough County Firefighter Charged with DUI
April 16, 2011
by K. McKinney
Robert Lee Myers, a Hillsborough County firefighter since 1993, was arrested earlier this week and charged with driving under the influence.
According to the Hillsborough County jail reports, Tampa police arrested Myers, 48, at 9:40 p.m. at Hale Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard last Tuesday. A Hillsborough County Fire Rescue spokesman confirmed that Myers was not working at that time.
Police say that Myers was driving without headlights on, necessitating a traffic stop. They allege that he appeared to be impaired during that stop. Later, breath test readings indicated Myers’ blood-alcohol content at 0.176 and 0.171. Florida drivers are presumed intoxicated when their blood-alcohol content is 0.08 or above.
If this were Myers first DUI arrest, he would be facing up to nine months in jail (up from six months due to his alleged high blood-alcohol level) and up to 12 months probation plus 50 hours of community service and a fine of $1,000 to $2,000.
However, in December 2008, Myers was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. Breath test readings put his blood-alcohol content at 0.175 and 0.176. He pleaded guilty and received 12 months probation, 50 hours of community service and his driver’s license was revoked for six months, according to the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office.
If convicted of DUI this time around, Myers faces up to 12 months in jail with a mandatory imprisonment of at least 10 days (at least 48 hours of which must be consecutive). He would also have his license revoked for five years (though eligible for hardship reinstatement after one year). Additional issues Myers may face include immobilization or impoundment of his vehicle and/or ignition interlock in his vehicle after license reinstatement.
If you or someone you know is facing DUI charges in the Tampa Bay area, you are well-advised to contact an experienced DUI defense attorney to help you navigate the criminal and administrative implications of a DUI charge and/or conviction.
Locations: Florida
Criminal Charges: Vehicular Crimes
He was also arrested in 98 for uttering, grand theft and a third charge. He is always arrested in his firefighter shirt which is frightening. Imagine that coming to your home to rescue you. Scary.