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Can I be arrested for DUI when I'm "sleeping it off"?

Posted by Paul M. Aaroe, II | Oct 09, 2024 | 0 Comments

Thomas E. Bold, Jr. was found unconscious behind the wheel of his legally parked car in a mall parking lot. The car's engine was running, and the headlights were on. When roused by the Officer, Bold appeared intoxicated and admitted to drinking at a nearby bar. He intended to sleep in his car until he was fit to drive. Bold was arrested for DUI and refused a blood test at a medical facility. Consequently, PennDOT suspended his license for 18 months due to his refusal.

Bold appealed the suspension in the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas. During the hearing, Officer Gelnett admitted there was no evidence that Bold had driven the car while intoxicated. The court initially upheld the suspension but later reversed its decision, finding no reasonable grounds to believe Bold was in control of the vehicle's movement. The court cited the case Solomon v. PennDOT, which found insufficient grounds for suspicion when a suspect was found sleeping in a parked car with the engine running.

The Commonwealth Court reversed the trial court's decision, holding that the officer had reasonable grounds to believe Bold was in actual physical control of the vehicle. The court relied on past cases where the presence of a driver in a running vehicle was deemed sufficient for reasonable grounds. However, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania found that the circumstances did not provide reasonable grounds to believe Bold was operating or in actual physical control of the vehicle's movement. The court emphasized that the implied consent law requires some objective evidence of control over the vehicle's movement. Consequently, the Supreme Court reversed the Commonwealth Court's ruling, siding with Bold. The Court also indicated that this decision applies to the DUI as well.

If you just start the car for heat, you're not guilty.

About the Author

Paul M. Aaroe, II

Why Paul Aaroe is considered the “go to” DUI Lawyer in the Lehigh Valley: **Experience and Expertise** With over 30 years of experience in DUI defense, Paul Aaroe has handled thousands of DUI cases. His deep understanding of DUI laws and his strategic approach to defense make him a formidable a...

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