Police En Route to Orlando MADD Event Make DUI Arrest

Two Gainesville police officers were on their way to speak at a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) luncheon in Orlando one recent morning when they witnessed an drunk driver incident that reinforced the importance of their work and organizations such as MADD. Sgt. Joseph Raulerson, who supervises the Traffic Safety Team, and Officer John Koprowski, DUI enforcement officer, were driving up to a traffic signal when they observed a vehicle making a right hand turn from the left turn lane at a red light. The officers pulled the driver over shortly thereafter, and the 54-year-old male appeared to be impaired.

The driver performed poorly on field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. During the arrest, the man complained of a medical emergency, so the officers took him to nearby North Florida Regional Medical Center for assistance and observation. Emergency room personnel administered a blood test and after determining that the man was safe to transport, he was taken to the Alachua County jail and held on a $10,000 bond. The arrest illustrates the importance for law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant on making Florida roadways safer by arresting impaired drivers.

"There’s no time other than the present to enforce DUI laws," Sgt. Raulerson said. "Although this particular case has a bit of irony to it, we’re just glad we were able to get another impaired driver off of Gainesville roadways."

Orlando personal injury attorney James O. Cunningham has been a strong advocate for strengthening drunk driving legislation and criminal penalties for driving under the influence for nearly four decades. Since he opened his law practice in 1977, he has seen the consequences of drunk driving first-hand while helping injured victims and the family members of those killed by drunk drivers.

If you or a member of your immediate family has been injured by a drunk driver, you have a right to seek damages against the parties responsible. Having an experienced Orlando personal injury lawyer like Mr. Cunningham by your side protecting your rights and explaining your options can make a huge difference in the compensation you receive. Call 386-243-4994 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and get the experienced legal representation you deserve.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.