IT Specialist Put on Unpaid Leave After DUI Arrest

A DUI arrest often has a domino effect on every aspect of your life, from your personal relationships and employment to your financial health and independence. A Marco Island IT specialist discovered this for himself in January of 2019, when he was arrested and subsequently placed on administrative leave.

Accident Occurred During the Workday

One factor that makes this case even more complicated for prosecutors is the fact that Anthony Chiaradonna was reportedly the IT specialist for the city of Marco Island. When officers stopped Chiaradonna, he told them that he was on a break from work and that he was on his way back to his place of employment. As a salaried employee, he did not have to keep specific hours. Still, since he had reported to work that day, he was technically arrested while on the job.

Red Flags for Police Officers

Chiaradonna exhibited a number of alarming red flags that caused officers to stop him. Multiple concerned callers reached out to Marco Island police and reported a reckless driver. Police officers found the driver and observed as he hit a parked car and nearly hit four others in the vicinity. He subsequently failed a field sobriety test, after which police discovered Suboxone and heroin in his vehicle. Despite admitting to his drug use, the driver refused to provide a urine sample for a drug test. This led to an automatic DUI charge. Upon learning of this incident, the city of Marco Island placed Chiaradonna on unpaid administrative leave.

Protecting Your Career After a DUI

With arrest records available online and almost immediately available in many jurisdictions, word of a DUI conviction can travel fast. Before you’ve even been proven guilty or innocent, your friends, family members, and employer might find out about your arrest. That’s why it’s so important to get ahead of DUI charges and get qualified legal counsel. The longer you wait to fight for a not guilty verdict, the harder it is to minimize the implications of a driving while impaired charge. An experienced attorney can assess your case, challenge the results of a Breathalyzer test, figure out the legality of your traffic stop, and protect your rights as you go through the court system.

It’s particularly important to work quickly if your career is likely to be affected by your DUI. Those in the fields of education or medicine may risk the loss of their license and income if they get a DUI conviction. City, county, state, and federal employees may also be suspended or terminated following DUI charges. If this is a concern, let your attorney know right away so they can advocate on your behalf.

Get Specialized Help With Your DUI Case

Secure legal counsel as quickly as possible after being arrested for driving under the influence. With Lockett Law, a firm experienced in DUI St. Augustine, FL cases, you can feel confident that you have a skilled legal team on your side and supporting you every step of the way. Call Lockett Law in Jacksonville Beach at (904) 441-5107 to talk more about your case.

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