RSSLake County Teacher Arrested for Third DUI
Jason Gross, 37, a second grade teacher at Groveland Elementary School, was recently arrested for his third driving under the influence charge. Florida Highway Patrol troopers recently arrested the man on University Boulevard in Orlando after he did an illegal U-turn. When the trooper asked Gross for his driver’s license after pulling him over, the trooper reported that Gross handed him a gift card from his billfold and a "business only" driver’s permit from DHSMV.
When the troopers told Gross that he could smell alcohol in the car, Gross told him that he was on his way home from Knight Library, where he had consumed five drinks. The arresting trooper reported that Gross lied to him, telling him that he was a high school literature teacher. The trooper reported that Gross pleaded with him not to arrest him.
According to the arrest report, Gross told the trooper, "I’ll do anything. Just please, just help me. I have two DUIs on my record."
Gross then told the trooper that he would walk to his home in Altamonte Springs or take a taxi to avoid another DUI charge.
"I would love to call a cab and walk home," Gross said. "I don’t think I did anything illegal."
After failing a field sobriety test, Gross was taken to the Orange County Jail. His first DUI conviction occurred in 2005, according to arrest records, before he was hired by the Lake County School District. He was awaiting trial on his second DUI conviction when he was arrested for the most recent infraction.
Florida DUI statistics for 2012 have not yet been released. However, 2011’s DUI numbers present a very frightening snapshot of the scope of the DUI problem in our state. There were 33,625 DUI convictions that year, from more than 55,722 DUI tickets issued by law enforcement personnel. Drunk drivers kill and seriously injure hundreds of Floridians every year, and these victims and their families deserve aggressive and effective legal representation to help them receive the damages they deserve. That is why so many rely on Orlando personal injury attorney James O. Cunningham. He has been helping victims of accidents caused by drunk drivers since 1977. If a drunk driver has injured you or a close family member and you want to explore your legal options, call Mr. Cunningham today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) to schedule your free consultation.
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.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.