Z.T. in Real Life, Capitol Division
When Debra Bolton, 45, was pulled over by police in Washington, D.C., she told the officer the truth: she had a glass of wine with dinner. He arrested her for DUI. A breath test found her blood-alcohol was .03, well below the .08 percent legal limit, but the charge stuck. “If you get behind the wheel of a car with any measurable amount of alcohol, you will be dealt with in D.C.,” said Dennis Fair, the arresting officer. “We have zero tolerance.” Area defense lawyers know about the rule, and usually suggest their clients plead guilty and accept “diversion” programs, but Bolton fought the charge. After four court appearances it was dropped, but the Department of Motor Vehicles then moved to suspend her license anyway. “Our burden of proof is lower” than a court’s, said a DMV spokesman. “Not enough evidence for them may be enough evidence for us.” The DMV eventually decided not to suspend her license, but instead give her a “warning.” (Washington Post) ...Warning: paternalistic bureaucrats rule Washington D.C.
Available in This is True: Book Collection Vol. 12