|
Statement of Facts from Dawn
The media statements concerning the Driggs Idaho charge against
Dawn Wells are extremely inaccurate and erroneous. A third party had possession of Dawn's car during the entire day, and placed a small amount
of marijuana in the vehicle without her knowledge .Dawn attended her surprise birthday party that evening, with a number of individuals each of
whom verified Dawn had only two drinks in a three to four hour period. Dawn left the party to drive home and was stopped by an inexperienced
officer only because she weaved while reaching for her heater controls in an unfamiliar new car.
There was no plea bargain with regard to the marijuana. The state
dismissed the marijuana charge as a result of a third party appearing before the court independently and accepted full and exclusive
responsibility for the existence of the marijuana.
The DUI charge was reduced to reckless driving because of insufficient
proof of excessive alcohol consumption. The officer acknowledged in his written report that there was no odor of alcohol, no slurred speech or any
indication of impaired memory. Unfortunately the inexperienced officer failed to properly administer any appropriate field tests which would have
established Dawns sobriety. This officer was subsequently placed and remains on suspension from all law enforcement duties.
Dawn Wells accepted responsibility for her driving neglect by pleading
guilty to reckless driving because she felt she was in fact guilty of not devoting appropriate attention to her driving while searching for the heater controls.
Contrary to news coverage, Dawn was not required to serve any jail term
for her driving offense. She received the typical Idaho sentence for her driving offense given to all who commit the offense, i.e. a fine and informal
probation. The sentencing Judge often requires jail time, but found that unnecessary under Dawn's circumstances. Informal probation simply
requires she pay the fine and commit no other offenses.
Due to Dawn's cooperation, integrity and complete lack of criminal record,
this charge will not appear on her driving record. The court granted her the courtesy of a "withheld judgment".
This is a very humiliating and embarrassing event for Ms. Wells.
She wishes to apologize to her friends and supporters for any embarrassment or disappointment this occurrence may have caused.
Ron Swafford
Attorney for Dawn Wells
Authorized by Dawn Wells
|