Posted by duijim in on January 9, 2013
Atlanta CEO Arrested for DUI Over the Holidays
Frank Circelli, founder and chairman of the Gem Shopping Network, had a rough holiday season.
Circelli was arrested for DUI not once, but twice within the same week, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. The first arrest took place Christmas morning, while the second occurred just after midnight on New Year’s Day.
The CEO now faces a number of DUI offenses and at least one drug offense.
Early on Dec. 25, a Suwanee police officer was dispatched to Settles Bridge Road near Barony Drive. The officer reportedly found Circelli asleep at the wheel of his 2008 Jaguar. Circelli’s foot was on the brake pedal and music was playing, according to authorities. While the ignition was in the “on” position, the engine wasn’t running, the officer said.
The officer put the car in “park” and asked Circelli if he was alright. Circelli reportedly answered by mumbling some profanities before dozing off again. According to the officer, the car reeked of alcohol and there was an open bottle of Grey Goose vodka in a brown bag.
The officer also found a small pill in the car. When asked about it, Circelli again reportedly mumbled expletives at the officer. It turns out the pill was a pain killer for which Circelli had no prescription. The CEO was charged with DUI, open container, and possession of a controlled substance.
Circelli found himself in the drunk tank once again just a week later. Circelli reportedly slammed his Jaguar into the side of a Mazda on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Suwanee. The responding officer noted that Circelli’s speech was slurred and his eyes were glassy. When questioned, Circelli once again responded with profanities, according to authorities.
Circelli claimed the Mazda had hit him, but the evidence indicated otherwise. He’s now facing a dozen charges, including an additional DUI and failure to obey traffic signals.
After the first arrest, Circelli probably shouldn’t have been driving. When you’re arrested for DUI, the arresting officer will generally issue an administrative suspension of your driver’s license. This pre-conviction suspension bars you from driving during the weeks leading up to your hearing.
On top of a license suspension, Circelli is facing some pretty serious penalties. DUI is punishable by up to 12 months in prison, a fine of $1,000, and at least 40 hours of community service. A conviction may also require the completion of an alcohol or drug risk reduction program.
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