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In Georgia, a person caught driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08% or higher can be convicted of DUI. The blood-alcohol level for a conviction can change depending on the circumstances. For example, it is lower for drivers under the age of 21 and those with a commercial driver’s license. The penalties for DUI in Georgia can range widely. For example, first time DUI conviction can result in jail time for up to a year and fines between $300 and $1,000. Georgia also has escalating penalties for DUI, providing that they occur within ten years of each offense. A second offense within 10 years of a prior offense raises the mandatory jail time to between 72 hours and 90 days.
The AJC reports that a drunk driver sped away from a crash scene and drug an officer with their vehicle.
The incident occurred at about 9 p.m. on Sunday on Preserve Drive in Athens-Clarke County.
Officer Torie Teets witnessed 26-year-old Frank Reyes allegedly speeding and driving recklessly. Teets moved as far to the side of the road as she could and activated her emergency lights, fearing that she may be struck.
The Altima, driven by Reyes, then smashed into another vehicle, coming to a stop next to the curb. Teets exited her vehicle and rushed to help Reyes, who appeared to be unconscious. While Teets was attempting to get Reyes out of the vehicle, he regained consciousness and started the vehicle.
He began to drive away, dragging Teets with him for a distance. Teets suffered an injury to her arm and was taken to a hospital for treatment and released.
Other Athens officers located Reyes’ vehicle nearby. He attempted to flee again but the vehicle suffered a mechanical failure. He was taken into custody.
Reyes is facing charges of aggravated assault, fleeing and attempting to elude, DUI, driving without a valid license, failure to maintain lane, driving with a canceled registration, hit-and-run, and driving without insurance.
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