Test results: Johnson's blood alcohol level was .072

[LowTech]

know better about what? what other reason is there to refuse a test, other than to hide incriminating evidence against you

Maybe you just want to stand up for your rights as a free American and not be part of the sheeple crowd

 

[Big Dakota]

Im 16, and I've been above .72 before and been totally fine...so yea, he most likely wasn't impaired much at all. He's a big guy.

.72 of an inch?

 

[Big Dakota]

no you haven't.

from a BAC guide:

0.40 BAC and up: Onset of coma, and possible death due to respiratory arrest.

i think you left off the "0" in .072, not .72....

Record Setting Washington DUI Suspect Is Former Cop

April 20, 2007
The Woodinville, Washington woman who set a Washington record for blood alcohol content (BAC) is a former police officer. Deana F. Jarrett, who registered a BAC of 0.47 percent, is being held in King County jail on a $250,000 bond. The Washington State Patrol said she was arrested in her home because, after two arrests for DUI last week, she was considered too dangerous to the community.
When troopers arrived at her home, Jarrett refused to cooperate. She was only taken into custody after officers had removed a window air-conditioner and prepared to enter her home through the opening. Troopers said she was highly intoxicated at the time.
Jarrett had been working as a passenger screener and supervisor for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the Seattle-Tacoma airport. She resigned after being released from jail last week. In recent years, Jarret has struggled with alcoholism, including having her 11-year daughter removed from her home by state officials.
Jarrett left the Seattle police department in 1998 following a contentious sexual harassment lawsuit against the department. She claimed she had been subjected to anonymous letters, cartoons in her mailbox, and a bomb threat on her truck at her home.






Those numbers change for long term alcholoics. She probably wakes up at .1 My mom is a counselor for one of the top treatment facilities in the country. She say's it's not uncommon to see people come in at, or near that BAC. I posted this article 2 months ago and was shocked, so i asked here if it was shocking, or common. For real bad drunks, it's pretty common. But for this kid Wonderboyromo, by .40 he'd be toes up and well on his way to pushing up daisies

 

[dogunwo]

Well I don't drink and drive PERIOD.

Rarely even drink anymore but when I did I did not drive.

So if that makes me ignorant about what is considered a low alcohol level with a blood test so be it.

Doesnt make you ignorant at all. You are just dont take the risk at all. I doubt most posters on here have that kind of discipline.

Its obvious when you have had way too much too drink, but can anyone tell when they have had one too much to drink?

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

:laugh2: no it's not, you have more of a chance in hell of proving that the person who administered the test, or the test itself, is faulty, via an experienced lawyer, than you do of erasing the thought that refusing the breathalyzer is your way of covering up that you were over the legal limit

and it's not guaranteed that you'll be convicted, I got PBJ, convictions are usually reserved for those who've already been convicted of drunk-driving

your best bet to go against a conviction would be to take the breathalyzer, go to drunk-driving classes before your trial, and hire a lawyer to fight the varacity of the test and who administered it, as well as being in the situation that it's your 1st time

or don't do it at all, although that's somewhat of a problem for me



fine, then most of the people I associate w/ don't ever recognize when they are stupid drunk, including myself

btw, when you 1st got your license, you signed a piece of paper agreeing that you are obligated to submit to a breathalyzer or chemical test when so ordered by a police officer

so I don't think breaking that obligation is going to help keep your reputation intact

true, but a suspended license being on your driving record is nothing to sneeze at either

I just would like to see a real explanation as to the benefit of refusing the tests, I've heard most judges see it as guilt, and I can see the reasoning behind that thinking, hell, because that's what I think about it

I live in Texas and I dont recall ever signing anything. Signing a piece of paper that is already a law is redundant anyway.

They have to prove that you were driving impaired and I am not sure how the statute reads exactly but i do know for a fact that not taking the test is not an admission of guilt. They still have to prove that you were drunk. keep in mind that the entire episode is being filmed via cop cam, keep your cool and ask to speak with an attorney and you have a fighting chance. Basically with your method you might as well bend over and grit your teeth cause you are giving up without a fight.

And a liscense suspension is something to sniff at. Its two points on your driving record and in most states that translates to a 20% increase in your base rates and it goes away in two years. If you go nolo which is what you apprently did or if you are found guilty then your given the absolute worst risk segmentation and you also end up with a criminal record.

What the court didnt tell you when you plead out like that is that while a conviction was not placed on your record you did receive a mark as a deferrment or whatever your disposition was on your record and that is something that NEVER goes away.

If you ever decide to leave the food service industry and get a job in the financial sector, a job that requires a government license, a job in education or any myriad of worthwhile professions youre going to see something on your application that youre not going to like. It basically will not only ask if you have ever been convicted of a crime but whether or not you have ever plead nolo contendre or entered into a plea agreement for a crime. Because of the route you took and the route you are advising others to take you are never going to be able to answer that question no.

While your worried about a license suspension you just granted a permanent black mark on your record.

 

[Alexander]

What a great thread. Let's all discuss ways to get away with breaking the law and putting other people's lives at risk!

Pathetic.

I agree.

It is pretty sad.

Next, Zone member advice on beating a drug test (without a Whizzinator).

 

[burmafrd]

Interesting that none of the "lawyers" here want to address the consequences of being impaired and driving. Like the threat to all the other people on the road.

 

[RoyWilliams]

I'm usually not one to condone player misconduct but... if his BAC was below the legal limit he did nothing wrong. Hell, legally drunk is usually like 2 beers. If you were to pull over all the people coming out of a TGIF's on a Friday night probably 80% would be legally impaired and driving fine after drinking a pint. I mean the thought of somebody losing his livelihood over something like that just isn't right in my book. Now if he was physically impaired and couldn't pass the sobriety test than maybe they have a better case against him, but it sounds like he may just be a piss poor driver sober.

 

[Vintage]

Record Setting Washington DUI Suspect Is Former Cop

April 20, 2007
The Woodinville, Washington woman who set a Washington record for blood alcohol content (BAC) is a former police officer. Deana F. Jarrett, who registered a BAC of 0.47 percent, is being held in King County jail on a $250,000 bond. The Washington State Patrol said she was arrested in her home because, after two arrests for DUI last week, she was considered too dangerous to the community.
When troopers arrived at her home, Jarrett refused to cooperate. She was only taken into custody after officers had removed a window air-conditioner and prepared to enter her home through the opening. Troopers said she was highly intoxicated at the time.
Jarrett had been working as a passenger screener and supervisor for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the Seattle-Tacoma airport. She resigned after being released from jail last week. In recent years, Jarret has struggled with alcoholism, including having her 11-year daughter removed from her home by state officials.
Jarrett left the Seattle police department in 1998 following a contentious sexual harassment lawsuit against the department. She claimed she had been subjected to anonymous letters, cartoons in her mailbox, and a bomb threat on her truck at her home.






Those numbers change for long term alcholoics. She probably wakes up at .1 My mom is a counselor for one of the top treatment facilities in the country. She say's it's not uncommon to see people come in at, or near that BAC. I posted this article 2 months ago and was shocked, so i asked here if it was shocking, or common. For real bad drunks, it's pretty common. But for this kid Wonderboyromo, by .40 he'd be toes up and well on his way to pushing up daisies

Why am I not surprised you failed to read his reply admitting he made a mistake....?

 

[Hoov]

I'm usually not one to condone player misconduct but... if his BAC was below the legal limit he did nothing wrong. Hell, legally drunk is usually like 2 beers. If you were to pull over all the people coming out of a TGIF's on a Friday night probably 80% would be legally impaired and driving fine after drinking a pint. I mean the thought of somebody losing his livelihood over something like that just isn't right in my book. Now if he was physically impaired and couldn't pass the sobriety test than maybe they have a better case against him, but it sounds like he may just be a piss poor driver sober.

I have to agree with this. For me 2 beers in an hour will put me close to .08, i wont even risk at because i hvae a DUI from when i was 20 and another one where i was barely over the limit 5-6 years ago. The second one happened after a concert and i had waited about 2-3 hours after my last beer before driving, by my calculations i thought i was under the limit (according to the charts they give you) but it was close enough that i was arrested and lost my license for 2 years. A 3rd would be mandatory jail sentence, so i dont even wnat to have 1 beer and drive. But .08 is not a great deal of alcohol, most people that go to a happy hour or go to a social function like a business dinner leave the meeting over .08.

 

[DallasEast]

In Tank Johnson's case, the only things that really matter are those things which are highlighted in this ChicagoTribune.com article:

Bears: So long, Tank

Tackle's latest brush with the law is last straw for team as Tank Johnson is released LINK

By Don Pierson
Tribune pro football reporter
Published June 25, 2007, 11:09 PM CDT

Tank Johnson's time ran out with the Bears on Monday. They abruptly released the troubled defensive tackle before his latest scrape with the law—police in Gilbert, Ariz., detained him at 3:30 a.m. Friday for speeding and suspicion of driving under the influence—had time to play out.

Johnson did time and that didn't work. The Bears took time and that didn't work. Johnson was simply taking up too much valuable time. The team finally decided that running a reform school at Halas Hall was infringing on football business.


The Bears already had ample reason to question Johnson's judgment. In December, after police found unregistered weapons and a small quantity of marijuana in a raid on Johnson's Gurnee home, the team announced a zero-tolerance behavior policy for him. Less than 36 hours later he was present at an altercation at a downtown nightspot that resulted in the shooting death of his friend Willie Posey.

They had to be alarmed that another incident occurred just weeks after Johnson was released from Cook County Jail, having served a 60-day sentence for probation violation. He also had received an eight-game NFL suspension for his off-field behavior, and the Bears were adamant that he had exhausted his supply of chances. And he was cruising the streets of Gilbert, Ariz., at 3:30 a.m.?

Before learning any more details of the Friday morning traffic stop, Bears coach Lovie Smith brought Johnson into his office at Halas Hall in Lake Forest Monday and told him the Bears' baby-sitting job was over. Johnson had flown to Chicago from his home in Arizona, already too late to talk his way out of the relatively minor indiscretion.

The Bears had bent over backward for Johnson, and he finally broke their back.

"We are upset and embarrassed by Tank's actions last week," general manager Jerry Angelo said in a team press release. "He compromised the credibility of our organization."

Smith was among the 147 names on Johnson's county jail visitor list and was a strong supporter, frequently referring to Johnson as "a good person." He was particularly disappointed by the latest development.

"A lot of people within our organization gave extra time and energy to support Tank: players, coaches and our front office," Smith said in the release. "We did our best to establish an environment for him to move forward. Ultimately, Tank needed to live up to his side of the deal."

By itself, driving 40 m.p.h. in a 25 zone at 3:30 a.m. and "being impaired to the slightest degree," in the words of Gilbert Police Sgt. Andrew Duncan, would not be enough to terminate employment immediately. But the Bears have been holding Johnson's hand for the last two years, since June 11, 2005, when he was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun after Chicago police found a loaded 9-mm Ruger in his parked car outside a downtown nightclub.

Under terms of his newly established "personal conduct" policy, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Johnson for the first eight games of the 2007 season for violation of his probation on the gun charge. The suspension could have been reduced to six games with good behavior.

Carrying Johnson for half a season simply became more trouble than it was worth for the Bears.

"We made it clear to him that he had no room for error," Angelo said. "Our goal was to help someone through a difficult period in his life, but the effort needs to come from both sides. It didn't, and we have decided to move on."

It wasn't that the Bears couldn't use Johnson on the field. A judge allowed him to leave Illinois to play in the Super Bowl in February, and in Smith's defensive scheme, no position is more important than tackle. Pro Bowl star Tommie Harris is coming off a leg injury, reliable Ian Scott signed with Philadelphia and Alfonso Boone signed with Kansas City.

But Johnson wasn't so good that the Bears could afford his perpetual presence on their weekly calendar: Monday, check up on Tank; Tuesday, game plan; Wednesday, practice; Thursday, tuck in Tank; Friday, apologize for Tank.

Cornerback Nathan Vasher signed a five-year contract extension with the Bears on Monday, a positive development quickly overshadowed by the latest Johnson news. Vasher, one of several Bears players who visited Johnson in jail, understood why the team's patience toward his troubled teammate finally ran out.

"It's really hard to see him go through some of the things he has," Vasher said. "But the Bears were kind of pushed into a corner. … I think you have to be accountable for your actions, and the Chicago Bears had to do what was needed.

"I am surprised," Vasher added. "I was really convinced that Tank had more than thought about the time he did in prison or just every other compromising situation he has been in, not to jeopardize [his career] any further."

dpierson@tribune.com

Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune


***

The argument can continue that he wasn't legally drunk or that he was caught speeding just like anyone else or blah, blah, blah. Johnson had a choice to not do anything voluntarily which would anger his employer. He was told beyond a shadow of doubt what the consequences would be if he voluntarily put himself in legal jeopardy--via a misdemeanor (sp?) or otherwise. He could have voluntarily not gotten behind the wheel after voluntarily drinking alcohol. He did both anyway. Case closed.

 

[DCBoysfan]

Perhaps Arizona's law is different, but in some places, you can be charged with driving while impaired (or another similarly worded offense) even if your blood-alcohol level is below the legal limit.

there is DUI - Driving Under the Influence - suspected of being drunk

then there is DWI - Driving While Intoxicated - you are legally drunk

if you appear to be imparied and refuse to that a breath test or field test I would charge you with DUI. If you take a breath test or field test and fail I will charge you with DWI.

 

[Vintage]

There is also OMVI.

 

[Doomsday101]

Tank was under the.08 and the local authorities will not pursue this because by law he was not drunk. However he still violated the rules of the NFL and this should prevent him from playing anytime soon.

 

[DCBoysfan]

There is also OMVI.

True,.... that is a good charge for someone suspected of being under the influence of an illegal drugs

 

[burmafrd]

http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/alerts/l/blnaa31.htm

 

[ndanger]

Ok everyone listen up.Recently I came across a truckload of Helium-Selenium Ionizing Trans-Dimensioning blue - green Alcohol Calibration Systems (on the black market of course)For all you drinkers out there I will make you a great deal,today only,on one of these units at the very low price of $1,200.These units are GAYRONTEED to instantly calibrate your blood alcohol content to any set level you desire.Yep that's right folks, you have the full range here from Absolutely Sober all the way to Pushing Up Daisies ! Impress your friends or purposely screw with law enforcement and laboratories.Do it in the comfort of your own back yard or use the handy travel kit that comes FREE and take it on the road with you.These units are going fast and are of limited supply.Don't be left behind without this new technology folks.Call today 1-800-iam-dumb or log onto drunksgonewild.com.............sale price does not include tax,tags,title and license..........Not recommended for children, choke hazzard........I am not responsible for anyone who actually does push up daisies......and please folks use the helium selenium ionizing trans-dimensioning blue-green laser alcohol calibration systems responsibly........Good Day!

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

Here is some advice ...DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!

Take a cab, go with a designated driver, if you are at a friends house just stay the night.

It is killing me about people arguing about taking a test or not taking a test and what is best. The best is not to Drink and Drive.

Of course if you do wish to drink and drive how about doing it on a highway or area that is closed to all other motorists. That way if you want to kill yourself you can do so. Just don't do it on a public road where you are putting other motorists lives at risk because of your selfishness and stupidity.

I don't need a lawyer to give me advice about what to do in that situation because I choose not to put myself in that situation.

-rant over-

 

[Vintage]

Here is some advice ...DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!

Yeah. That is the best advice. No one is arguing against that. I can't speak for other people on their thought process, but I have done it on occasion where my BAC was clearly above any legal limit. I was 18. I just graduated from H.S. H.S. graduation parties were going on. I didn't use good judgement. And part of it was that some of my friends and I felt invinceable because nothing bad ever happened to us.

Stupid, yeah. Never denied that. We were incredibly lucky we never even got to much as a drinking ticket, pulled over, or anything...

Take a cab, go with a designated driver, if you are at a friends house just stay the night.

And again, this is solid advice. And now, I adhere to this almost perfectly.

It is killing me about people arguing about taking a test or not taking a test and what is best. The best is not to Drink and Drive.

Because it is sound advice. There has been times where I've gone to a bar and had A beer. One. And I've driven back. Or a restaurant. One beer (and I am a big guy) is not even close to impairing me. But if I got pulled over, I am not submitting to a breathalyzer. Part of it is also an extreme disdain/lack of trust for police. I also would not submit to a voluntary search of my car either (and I have nothing to hide either). Its my rights as a citizen to refuse to cooperate in either case.

 

[peplaw06]

Here is some advice ...DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!

Take a cab, go with a designated driver, if you are at a friends house just stay the night.

It is killing me about people arguing about taking a test or not taking a test and what is best. The best is not to Drink and Drive.

Of course if you do wish to drink and drive how about doing it on a highway or area that is closed to all other motorists. That way if you want to kill yourself you can do so. Just don't do it on a public road where you are putting other motorists lives at risk because of your selfishness and stupidity.

I don't need a lawyer to give me advice about what to do in that situation because I choose not to put myself in that situation.

-rant over-

No one is condoning drinking and driving.

That said, probably over 75% of the people reading this have done it at some point. I realize there is a sensitivity to this issue, and that's ok.

But a lawyer clearing up what a citizen's rights are in that situation is not condoning the behavior. It would be like me telling Summer it's best not to consent to a search of his vehicle when he has a dead body in the trunk. He has the right to refuse the search. I'm not condoning him hauling a corpse around.

I'm glad you don't put yourself in those situations, but some people do, and they still have rights. If you have a beef with that, take it up with your congressman.