Georgia Deputy Resigns After DUI Arrest

A Georgia State Patrol deputy has been arrested on allegations of driving under the influence and later submitted his resignation from the force.

Ryan Jones was arrested shortly after 2 a.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019, in Columbia County, Georgia. Jones was the Richmond County Sheriff's narcotics investigator before his resignation. He was driving an unmarked county-owned car but was not on duty at the time of the DUI arrest.

According to a preliminary report, a trooper stopped Jones' vehicle at around 1:45 a.m. that Friday. When the trooper approached the vehicle, he detected the odor of alcohol. Jones submitted to a field sobriety test. As a result of the test, the trooper determined that Jones was impaired and arrested him for suspected DUI.

Jones was from the Columbia County Jail on bond. After the arrest, Jones was given administrative leave. He resigned later that day after a career with the Sheriff's office that started in 2012.

He faces charges of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and failure to obey a traffic control device.

If you or someone you care about has been arrested for a suspected DUI, an experienced Georgia DUI attorney can defend your case and protect your rights.

The Odor of Alcohol: Defending Your DUI Case

When it comes to DUI arrests, officers will say many things to "prove" that you were intoxicated at the time of your arrest. Not all of these observations are accurate or even true. 

One of the most common observations that law enforcement officers will testify to is the "odor of alcohol." This odor can come:

• from the car, truck, or other vehicle; or
• be on your person.

The odor of alcohol is so subjective it is far from real proof that a person was intoxicated. However, it is all too often used as almost conclusive proof that the officer was correct when he or she later determined you were intoxicated.

The DUI Investigation

Most DUI stops first occur as the result of some other traffic violation, and that is the reason you are initially pulled over. However, many times the officer already suspects that a person may be intoxicated. When this is the case, the officer is looking for anything to pin a DUI on you.

Other common things that officers "observe" in order to justify a DUI arrest are:

• bloodshot eyes,
• slurred speech,
• inability to balance,
• unique gait when walking, or
• inattentiveness or distraction.

The officer will testify about these observations in court as proof of your alleged intoxication. It will also be used to justify the initial stop and the continuing DUI investigation. However, with the help of an experienced attorney at your side, you can challenge these observations and defend your constitutional rights.

Consult an Experienced Georgia DUI Attorney

Just because you are charged with a crime, it does not mean that you are guilty. No matter what the officer believes he or she saw, an experienced Georgia DUI attorney can defend your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.