Rising country star Sam Hunt is learning about the far-reaching consequences of a DUI charge.

On November 21, 2019, Hunt was pulled over by Nashville police after multiple people called 911 to report that a vehicle was traveling the wrong way down a one-way road. The other drivers also claimed Hunt's SUV was swerving and had crossed the center dividing line.

When the police finally stopped Hunt's vehicle, the arresting officer noted that Hunt smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes. There were also two empty beer cans next to him, and he allegedly had trouble retrieving his ID for the police and gave them a credit card and a passport instead. Hunt admitted he had been “consuming alcohol recently.” According to a sobriety test and a breathalyzer test, his blood-alcohol level was 0.173. The legal limit in Tennessee (and in most states) is 0.08.

Hunt was charged with DUI and for having an open container in his vehicle. He posted $2,500 in bail and was released the morning after his arrest.

Consequences of a DUI Charge

Hunt took to Twitter to seemingly admit and apologize for the incident: “Wednesday night I decided to drive myself home after drinking at a friend's show in downtown Nashville. It was a poor and selfish decision and I apologize to everyone who was unknowingly put at risk and let down by it. It won't happen again.”

In addition to disappointing his fans, Hunt has announced he would withdraw from performing at an upcoming NASCAR Cup Series Awards, which honors NASCAR top drivers of the year. The ceremony will be held on December 5, 2019, in Nashville, and Chris Janson will perform instead of Hunt.

History

Sam Hunt was a high school and college quarterback who, while at the University of Alabama Birmingham, taught himself to play guitar as a way to relax after football practice. After unsuccessfully trying to break into the NFL, he moved to Nashville in 2008 to pursue a music career. His first major hit came in 2014 from his album Montevallo. His style of music contains elements of R&B and pop fused with country. A song on his Montevallo album is called “Drinkin' Too Much” and Hunt has said it was a reference to the relationship with his now-wife.

DUI Defense

In Hunt's case, the evidence seems fairly damning, and to take to Twitter to admit guilt does not help. At the Law Offices of Steve Karimi, we recommend our clients say as little as possible when they have been pulled over on a suspected DUI, or that they should ask to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. If you are facing a DUI charge, call the Law Offices of Steve Karimi today at 206-621-8777to schedule a free consultation of your case, or fill out an online contact form.