Get Lost, Get Cold, Get Drunk, Get Acquitted

Thomas Drummond is a resourceful fellow. Driving in the unfamiliar wilds of southeastern Missouri, Drummond spun out on icy roads and ended up in culvert. In his last-“ditch” effort to notify someone of his plight, he texted his girlfriend about the accident around 2:00 a.m., but, in a curious omission, forgot to tell her the location.  Two hours later, a soused (0.148 BAC) Drummond was found by the highway patrol and promptly arrested for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Open and shut case you say. Not to Drummond’s attorney Steven Wilson, Esq., who told the jury an interesting version of events. Drummond did spin out in the dark Missouri countryside, but not from alcohol. Slick icy road was the culprit. As to Drummond’s inebriated condition upon arrival of the cops, well, it was cold and Drummond was en route to a party with a bottle of brandy,  thoughtfully purchased as a gift for the hostess. “No getting to the party; No need for a gift now,” he thought, however there was ample need to stay warm. Down went the heart-warming, potent potable.

The jury bought it and Drummond left the courtroom a free man with a warm place in his heart for his counsel. Said attorney Wilson,”This is something that doesn’t happen all the time. It’s an odd set of circumstances.”

Indeed, and because of that, it is perfect grist for our mill.

Source: FindLaw

~Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger