Wife of Robert Kennedy Jr. Pleas Guilty to Lesser DUI Charges

Any experienced DWI defense lawyer in Michigan can tell you: being arrested for driving while intoxicated is not a pleasant experience for anyone to go through, even for celebrities and popular public figures. Conviction of drunk driving charges will restrict a person’s driving privileges, and could potentially subject the suspect to jail time. While many people may argue that famous individuals get off easier in the eyes of the court, their reputations are nonetheless greatly scarred because of the media hype surrounding their arrest–either way, it’s not a situation anyone wants to be in.

Such an example is seen in the May arrest of Robert Kennedy Jr’s wife Mary by local police officers as she drove a short distance from her home. Law enforcement officials took her into custody on DUI charges after Kennedy failed several field sobriety tests and her blood alcohol content registered as a 0.11, well over the legal limit of 0.08.

After accepting a plea bargain offered by the prosecution, Kennedy agreed to a lesser charge of driving while ability impaired, which does not include jail time. However, she is still required to pay a fine, attend a drunk driving program, perform community service, and comply with a 90 day suspension of her license.

Although her sentencing could be considered light, the town justice Kevin Quaranta warned Kennedy that he takes the charges against her very seriously–and she should as well. Although her case has been given an one year discharge, should she fail to comply with the terms of the plea bargain it could be reopened at any time. Had Kennedy be convicted of the original misdemeanor driving while intoxicated charge, she would have been sentenced to a $1,000 fine, a mandatory six-month license suspension, and even possibly a year behind bars.

The example of Mary Kennedy shows how serious the consequences of drunk driving charges can be. Even though she worked out a plea bargain she was pleased with, those who are not as fortunate face stiff punishments that can haunt a person forever. If you have been accused of driving while intoxicated, do not let the charges against you take over your life. Contacting hard-working and aggressive DWI defense lawyers in Michigan is the first step to ensuring the legal advice and legal representation needed to defend you in court–keeping you on the roads and at home, not behind bars.