In an atypical case of driving under the influence in California, a helicopter pilot for a popular rock and roll musician has been detained by Los Angeles police officers on suspicion of operating his aircraft while intoxicated. This Mercury News report about an unusual Los Angeles DUI incident claims that the suspect is a helicopter pilot for Tommy Lee, drummer for the popular rock band Motley Crue.
The pilot, who has not yet been named by police, was spotted by Los Angeles police operating his aircraft in an erratic manner. Police spokeswoman Karen Smith said that the pilot violated safety procedures by flying too close to a police helicopter near Van Nuys and ignoring directions from the Van Nuys flight tower. Police say that the pilot was released without being arrested after submitting to a field sobriety test. Lee, who was a passenger in the helicopter, was questioned briefly and released. The Federal Aviation Administration has begun an investigation of the incident and is waiting for toxicology test results.
People who have been charged with driving under the influence face steep fines, revocation of driving privileges, alcohol classes and counseling, and possible jail or prison time. In this particular incident where a helicopter pilot is suspected of DUI, the pilot faces the additional penalties of the loss of his pilot’s license and livelihood.
If you or someone you care for is facing DUI charges, the experienced California DUI attorneys at Sitkoff & Hanrahan can help protect your freedom and driving privileges. The Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers at Sitkoff & Hanrahan have over six decades of experience defending clients charged with driving under the influence. For a free consultation about your DUI charges, call today at 888.579.4844!