Bikini-Clad Grandmother Charged with DUI in Naples
When you get arrested, it can be an embarrassing moment, especially for a DUI. You have to participate in a field sobriety test, take an alcohol breath test, and are arrested. You have to go to court and probably lose your license. It’s even more humiliating when you are wearing a bikini and a news crew shows up during your field sobriety test.
Law enforcement officials say that 49-year-old Patricia Ebel was driving while intoxicated on April 17. She spent the day at a pool and consumed large amounts of alcohol. She drove her BWM from the pool and ran a stop sign at the intersection of Goldengate Parkway and Livingston Road in Naples, Florida. Ebel’s BMW slammed into red Mustang, doing significant damage to both vehicles. There were only minor injuries.
When law enforcement officials arrived at the scene, Ebel was wearing a bikini and had her 10-year-old grandson in the car. Police officers conducted a field sobriety test, and Ebel was unable to stand on one leg. They said she smelled like alcohol and had slurred speech. Ebel refused to take a field breath test and was arrested.
As she was conducting the sobriety test, a television news team arrived and taped the bikini-clad grandmother as she failed the test. Deputies said the 10-year-old boy was surprised that his grandmother was arrested and had just wanted to spend a day at the pool with her. Her grandson gave her a hug after she was in handcuffed but before deputies placed her in the car and took her to jail.
Ebel was charged with driving with a 0.15-or-greater blood alcohol content with a minor in the car. That charge carries a fine of between $1,000 and $2,000 and up to nine months in jail. As well, “the court shall order the mandatory placement, at the convicted person’s sole expense, of an ignition interlock device approved by the department in accordance (the law).” Other charges are expected to be filed.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida automobile accident, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. immediately at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for a free initial 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.