Waynesboro VA DWI Lawyer Bob Keefer says regular people should get the same treatment for DUI as this Judge got
Saturday, August 9th, 2008Juvenile & Domestic Relations Judge Michael Keith Blankenship entered into a plea agreement in May of 2008. Judge Blankenship, a former prosecutor and Commonwealth’s Attorney, plead guilty to reckless driving and refusing a breath test. The reckless driving was a reduction from the charged DUI.
State Trooper Ronnie Collins indicated that he smelled alcohol, saw erratic driving on Interstate 8, witnessed the Judge’s bloodshot, glassy eyes and had to argue with the Judge to get him to exit his vehicle. Judge Blankenship refused to do any standardized field sobriety tests and refused the preliminary breath test if one was offered.
Judge Blankenship knows that the accused is almost always deemed to have failed the field sobriety tests. He also knows that the preliminary breath test machine is not accurate. He did not leave his car until the Trooper told him he was under arrest. Judge Blankenship also understands that the Intoxilyzer 5000 in use by Virginia is “dated, unstable and unreliable”. Judge Blankenship used his knowledge of the system to give the Government the least evidence against him possible. He did not make any statements.
Judge Blankenship is on paid leave from his judicial position. He lost his license for one year and had to pay a $100.00 fine. Judge Blankenship let his attorney do his talking and did not say much. It turns out that the Judge is under a great deal of stress with his mother’s serious illness. I am sure he deserved the breaks he got; I just wish everyone else would get those same breaks.
See the video:
You can find information about Bob Keefer’s firm at: www.BobKeeferLaw.com;
Bob Keefer represents people charged with DUI/ DWI, traffic tickets, speeding tickets and reckless driving in Elkton, Virginia; Bridgewater, Virginia; Verona, Virginia; Harrisonburg, Virginia; Rockingham County, Virginia; Staunton, Virginia; Augusta County, Virginia; Woodstock, Virginia; Waynesboro, Virginia; and Shenandoah County, Virginia.