Former teen idol David Cassidy was charged with drunk driving after his Mercedes was stopped by a Florida Highway Patrol officer in Fort Pierce.

The officer noticed the vehicle when it reportedly left the roadway and drifted onto the shoulder rumble strip twice before cutting off another car at an exit ramp.

The 60-year-old former star of the 1970s television show “The Partridge Family” failed a number roadside sobriety tests and breathed a 0.14% on an alcohol breath test.

The arresting officer noted that Cassidy “appeared to be somewhat confused” and was “very apologetic for having to be stopped.”

Upon searching Cassidy’s vehicle, police reportedly found a half-empty bottle of bourbon under a seat. However, Cassidy told the office that he only had a glass of wine with lunch a few hours earlier. He also told police that he had taken a hydrocodone pill – a pain medication more commonly known as Vicodin – about three hours earlier.

Cassidy was released from St. Lucie County Jail on bail. His publicist had been advised by his attorney not to comment on the incident.

Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence is a serious crime in California and will be severely prosecuted. Under Vehicle Code 23152(a) and (b), it is a crime to drive while under the effects of drugs or alcohol or with 0.08% of alcohol, by weight, in the bloodstream.

A first-time violation of Section 23152 is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to six months and by a maximum fine of $1,000. See California Vehicle Code Section 23536.

A conviction may also result in a suspension of driving privileges for a period of six months under California Penal Code 13352.

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A drunk driving conviction can have negative consequences that can affect not only your individual freedoms, but also your professional career and family life. If you are facing DUI charges, you need the legal representation of an experienced DUI defense attorney. At Wallin & Klarich, our Orange County attorneys have over 30 years of experience in handling drunk driving cases and can help you raise the best possible defenses in your case.

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