Jamal Anderson Gets Probation for Falling Asleep at the Wheel – DUI

Jamal Anderson Gets Probation for Falling Asleep at the Wheel – DUI

Was Jamal Anderson drunk or just really tired? Back in June, the former Atlanta Falcons running back was arrested on DUI charges after police found him asleep at the wheel of his Escalade.

On Monday morning, Anderson pleaded guilty to reckless driving and was sentenced to 12 months of probation, CBS Atlanta News reports.

An officer reportedly spotted Anderson’s Escalade stopped at the intersection of Chamblee-Tucker Road and Interstate 85. The former NFL star was asleep at the wheel, 11 Alive News reports.

The officer did his best to rouse the napping Anderson, but was unable to wake him. Police eventually used two patrol cars to box in the Escalade before reaching through the sunroof and unlocking the vehicle.

Anderson failed a field sobriety test, but refused to submit to a Breathalyzer test, according to authorities. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

The DUI charge, however, was dropped after Anderson’s attorney filed a number of pre-trial challenges, claiming Anderson was merely worn out at the time of the arrest. Instead, the former running back pleaded guilty to reckless driving.

Anderson’s 12-month probation will become non-reporting once he completes 64 hours of community service, pays a $700 fine, completes a defensive driving program, and attends a MADD victim impact panel, according to CBS Atlanta.

Anderson probably won’t be driving for a while. Under Georgia law, any person who operates a vehicle in the state has given implied consent to a blood alcohol test if suspected of DUI. Refusing to submit to the test can get your license suspended for a year.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported me through this difficult time,” Anderson said in a statement. “From day one I have maintained my innocence to the DUI charge, and I am glad that charge was dismissed.”

Atlanta DUI Lawyer