News Anchor Arrested For DUI In Maryland

Unfortunately, motorists seem to drink and drive on a daily basis. Because this practice is so common, it’s almost like nobody bats an eye any more. However, tongues start wagging when the intoxicated driver is a public figure.

NBC4 news anchor Leon Harris has seen his recent DUI arrest plastered all over the media. The 60-year-old journalist, who works in Washington, D.C., was arrested on January 29 after causing an accident and then trying to leave the scene.

Harris, who once worked for CNN, rear-ended a vehicle at Bradley Boulevard and River Road in Montgomery County. The impact caused the vehicle he hit to rear-end a third vehicle. Fortunately, nobody suffered serious injuries in the crash.

Harris attempted to leave the accident scene but was caught by police. He failed both a Breathalyzer test and a sobriety test. His alcohol level was determined to be twice the state’s legal limit. An investigation into the incident is underway. During this time, Harris has been suspended from his on-air duties at NBC4.

Harris faces a total of nine criminal charges, all misdemeanors, including the following:

• Driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol
• Driving a vehicle while impaired by alcohol
• Driving a vehicle unsafely due to being so far impaired by drugs and alcohol
• Following a vehicle closer than reasonable and prudent
• Negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner
• Attempt to elude police by failing to stop
• Failure of driver to pull over upon signal by police vehicle
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Failure to control vehicle speed on the highway

This was not Harris’ first DUI offense. In 2013, he pled guilty to DUI after getting pulled over by a Maryland state trooper. He received probation for his punishment.

What to Do After Getting Pulled Over

After a DUI traffic stop, the first thing you should do is keep quiet. Avoid saying anything that can incriminate you. However, if asked to submit to blood or breath testing, you should agree to it. A refusal could cost you your driver’s license for 270 days. On the other hand, if you take a test and fail it, you will likely lose your license for just 180 days.

Your next step should be to hire a lawyer. A DUI arrest is no minor thing, so take it seriously and follow the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Aggressive legal counsel will help you get the best outcome. Don’t leave your future to amateurs.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Today

DUI charges are no laughing matter. Even though they are typically misdemeanors, they can affect your driving record, reputation, and wallet.

A Columbia DUI & traffic offenses lawyer at The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. can help you understand your legal rights. Protect your reputation and your future with our assistance. Call (410) 774-5987 or fill out the online form for a free consultation. We have two offices to serve you.

Resources:

fox5dc.com/news/nbc4-anchor-leon-harris-arrested-for-dui-in-maryland-police-confirm

nypost.com/2022/02/02/former-cnn-anchor-leon-harris-arrested-accused-of-trying-to-leave-dui-crash-scene-reports/