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Bay Area Criminal Defense Blog

TV Anchors Getting DUIs

Posted by Lynn Gorelick | Oct 05, 2015 | 0 Comments

Local TV news anchors keep us up to date on the events taking place where we live. They may report on animal adoptions, apartment fires, or even DUI arrests in the area. However, they may not expect to become be the subject of a news report themselves, especially when it comes to charges of driving under the influence.

A California TV anchor was recently arrested on suspicion of DUI. Paula Lopez Ochoa is a local TV anchor for KCOY in Santa Barbara. She also happens to be the the wife of a retired Superior Court judge, and was arrested for public intoxication in 2013. Police responded to a call that a silver Toyota Prius was travelling southbound on the northbound lanes of Highway 101. They tracked down the vehicle in a golf course parking lot.

After police determined she was under the influence of alcohol, Lopez Ochoa reportedly assaulted the police. She was taken to the hospital, and later taken to the county jail, where she was released on bail. She has now been charged with driving under the influence, resisting a peace officer, and battery on a peace officer.

A former CNN anchor also had a run in with police after driving under the influence. Felicia Taylor, of World Business Today reportedly sideswiped a car in New York. After police responded, she was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. A breathalyzer registered nearly three times over the legal limit, and she was charged with aggravated DUI. Her lawyer claim that because the breathalyzer was administered three times, that is proof of an inaccurate reading.

A local news anchor in Atlanta was also recently arrested for a DUI. It was Amanda Davis' third DUI arrest. She had a DUI arrest in 1991, and was found not guilty in a wrong-way DUI crash in 2012. TV anchors from across the country, including Arkansas, Los Angeles, and Iowa have also had recent DUI arrests.

A San Antonio news anchor has similarly had multiple encounters with law enforcement, and was recently arrested for a DUI after being involved in a traffic accident. Karen Gallagher was reportedly speeding when she lost control of her car, which jumped over the median and hit a curb. She then sideswiped a car and was about to drive off when the driver of the other car took her keys from the ignition. When police responded, they reported smelling alcohol, and said Gallagher appeared disoriented and confused.

Terry Chick, a TV anchor in Washington State was arrested after he reportedly crashed into a parked car. Chick drove away, then a police officer caught up with his car, pulling him over for swerving and having a broken tail light. The officer noticed Chick's bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech. Chick admitted to drinking 5 beers, and went on to fail the field sobriety tests. He refused a breath test, but the police got a warrant for a blood test. This was his second DUI arrest.

If you or someone you know is arrested on suspicion of a DUI, an arrest does not have to end in a criminal conviction. At the Gorelick Law Offices, attorney Lynn Gorelick has dedicated her legal career to defending people charged with driving under the influence in the East Bay. With more than 30 years of DUI experience, she understands the possible penalties involved. Contact a local East Bay DUI defense attorney who understands local DUI laws, and will make sure you get the justice you deserve.

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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