Jacksonville Jaguars rookie wide receiver Justin Blackmon could face very serious consequences on and off the field after being arrested for his second alleged drunk driving offense in two years.
Blackmon, who was selected as the fifth overall NFL draft pick this year, was arrested Sunday night in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He was reportedly pulled over for driving 60 mph in a 30 mph zone.
Blackmon took a Breathalyzer test, which police say registered at .24 percent, or three times Oklahoma's legal limit. Because of the high blood-alcohol content and the fact that this may be his second DUI, Blackmon could face harsher penalties than a first-time DUI offender.
He has pleaded not guilty to aggravated DUI. If convicted, he could be ordered to partake in an alcohol and drug substance abuse evaluation program. A court may also choose to order mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, which disables a car's ignition when alcohol is detected in a driver's breath.
The NFL also has a substance abuse program that it could ask Blackmon to join. He may also be subject to random testing, fines, discipline and game suspension.
In 2010, Blackmon was not yet 21 when he was charged with driving under the influence and speeding. He was given a one-game suspension and was banned from talking to the media for the season.
Those who are not professional athletes may also face career consequences after being arrested for a DUI. A DUI conviction can result in a license revocation for a number of professions and affect your ability to get a job or have access to further education. It is important for those charged with DUI to consult an experienced defense attorney in order to resolve the case in the best way possible.
Source: The Florida Times-Union, " 'I made a poor choice,' Blackmon says of DUI arrest at Jaguars news conference," Vito Stellino, June 6, 2012
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