Oklahoma residents might recognize the name of Tito Ortiz, a former UFC light heavyweight champion known to fans as the "Huntington Beach Bad Boy." Early in the morning of Jan. 6, Ortiz was taken into police custody on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI.
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department report indicates that the well-known fighter had attended a BCS National Championship pre-party prior to the 4 a.m. crash. According to police, the 2012 Porsche Panamera Ortiz was driving hit a concrete median on the 405 freeway in Los Angeles. Two passengers were reportedly in the vehicle at the time, but no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
Police say that Ortiz was given a Breathalyzer test that measured a 0.12 percent blood-alcohol level. The state of California's legal limit is 0.08 percent. Reports indicate that Ortiz was subsequently taken into custody and booked at a local police station. After Ortiz posted a $15,000 bond, he was released. He is scheduled for a court appearance on Jan. 27.
Although state statutes vary, DUI laws in many states, including Oklahoma, can be quite stringent. A DUI charge, even if it is a misdemeanor, can result in significant consequences for the alleged offender. Fines, license suspensions and jail time can accompany convictions, and enrollment in an alcohol treatment program may be required in some cases. Possible penalties add up for individuals with prior convictions that involve driving under the influence of alcohol. An attorney for an individual facing such a charge might examine the circumstances under which a Breathalyzer test was administered to see if the charges may be disputed or dismissed. If the incident was the first one involving DUI for the client, the attorney may make a point of this with the prosecution.
Source: FOX Sports, "Ex-UFC champion Tito Ortiz crashes Porsche, arrested on suspicion of DUI", Damon Martin, January 06, 2014
