San Diego Police Detective Gets Probation For DUI

San Diego police detective Jeffrey Blackford received 5 years probation on April 22, 2013 after pleading guilty to misdemeanor DUI. Blackford was charged with DUI after losing control of his unmarked police car and crashing into a roadside utility box in Allied Gardens on December 7, 2013. Blackford also faced charges for reckless driving since he was apparently driving 20 mph over the posted speed limit at the time of the incident. The city prosecutor originally asked that the judge sentence Blackford to serve 60 days in jail or an alternative custody program.

In addition to serving 5 years probation, Blackford will also have to complete 25 days in a public works program, attend a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) victim impact panel and pay standard imposed fines. Court records show that Blackford’s blood alcohol test was delayed for 3 hours after Blackford contacted his friends within the San Diego Police Department. As a result of that delay, another detective and 3 sergeants are being reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office. Blackford’s preliminary blood test showed his blood alcohol content to be .15%, while another taken after the delay showed it to be .09%. After the sentencing, the judge said that the public work service program was something he would do for any defendant in similar situations who believed jail time might result in losing his or her job.

If you have been arrested for driving drunk, contact an experienced and skilled California DUI attorney for legal assistance.