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Bay Area Criminal Defense Blog

FedEx Driver Under the Influence

Posted by Lynn Gorelick | May 11, 2016 | 0 Comments

Package delivery service drivers are under a time crunch to get their packages delivered to waiting customers. Some drivers may be going over the speed limit, rolling through stop signs, or taking chances on the road to empty their delivery truck on time. However, in some cases, the drivers are breaking other traffic laws when on the job, including drinking and driving and delivering.

A FedEx driver was arrested in Sacramento after getting into an accident with a California Highway Patrol vehicle on Highway 50. According to the CHP, Officer Vincent Smith was on foot, trying to clear the scene of an earlier hit and run. A FedEx truck hit the officer, and also hit the officer's CHP vehicle. The patrol car was flashing its emergency lights at the time, indicating to other drivers to move over a lane.

The employee, 41-year-old Gregory Ramirez of San Lorenzo, was allegedly under the influence at the time. He was charged with felony driving under the influence causing injury, and possession of a controlled substance. Officer Smith remains in the hospital receiving treatment for his injuries.

Delivery drivers are held to a higher standard when it comes to impairment on the road. Most drivers are in violation of California drunk driving laws with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, commercial drivers, including FedEx and UPS drivers, can get a DUI with a BAC of only 0.04% or more. Additionally, if they get a second DUI, they may lose their commercial driver's license forever.

In another incident in Minnesota, a FedEx driver was credited with calling in a suspected drunk driver when he saw a post office vehicle driving erratically. The FedEx driver spotted a U.S. Postal Service vehicle driving almost collide with another vehicle before smashing into a road sign. He called police, who responded to the scene. Officers approached the mail truck and noticed the smell of alcohol on postal carrier Mary E. Sweet.

Police officers reported that Sweet was not able to shut off the vehicle, and nearly fell over when she got out of the mail truck. She failed field sobriety tests, and a preliminary alcohol screening test showed an estimated blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.29%, more than three times the legal limit for a regular driver, and over seven times the legal limit for a commercial driver. She was charged with driving while intoxicated, and was placed on non-duty status pending an investigation.

At the Gorelick Law Offices, attorney Lynn Gorelick has dedicated her legal career to defending drivers charged with a commercial DUI in the East Bay. With more than 30 years of experience, Lynn Gorelick understands how a DUI conviction can affect your career as a driver, and how to fight to keep a conviction off your record. If you are a commercial driver facing a DUI, contact the local East Bay DUI defense attorney who understands that you do not have to plead guilty just because you were arrested.

About the Author

Lynn Gorelick

Lynn Gorelick has been an attorney for over 38 years. She is the Attorney Lynn Gorelick is the Immediate Past President of the California DUI Lawyers Association and a Faculty and Sustaining member of the National College of DUI Defense. Lynn is a Specialist Member of the California DUI Lawyers Association and lectures frequently to other attorneys regarding DUI and DMV issues.

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