Naples Police Officer Questioned in Mayor’s DUI Case

No one is above the law, and anyone can face DUI charges in Naples. A recent case shows that even the mayor is not immune to these charges, and it is making headlines for obvious reasons. Celebrities, politicians, and other public figures are more vulnerable to criminal charges, as they have to worry about both criminal penalties and their reputation. This case provides insights into how DUI cases work – particularly in the context of depositions.

Police Officer Set for Deposition After Naples Mayor Charged With DUI 

In December of 2024, MSN reported that defense counsel for the mayor of Naples had received permission to depose the police officer involved in her DUI arrest. The report indicates that the deposition stemmed from police dashcam footage received by the defense, which they claim is of poor quality. The sworn testimony of the police officer may clarify these issues, as well as other issues the defense has with the police report.

This report details a shocking incident, in which the mayor allegedly chased another motorist back to their home after an altercation at a roundabout. The police sergeant who wrote the report claimed that he immediately smelled alcohol emanating from the mayor, and that she failed a roadside sobriety test. According to the report, she also recorded an illegal BAC level in two separate breath tests.

 What Is a Deposition in a Florida DUI Case? 

A deposition is like an interview. It occurs outside of court, however, and it is not the same as “calling a witness to the stand.” Nevertheless, these are still sworn statements, and the witness must swear to tell the truth before being deposed. As with witness testimony during a trial, both sets of attorneys have a chance to ask their own questions. Depositions occur during the pre-trial “discovery” phase, and they allow both parties to gather as much information as possible before a trial.

Police officers are often deposed during DUI cases. As a general rule, written police reports are considered “hearsay” and are therefore inadmissible in court. However, a police officer might be asked to explain what they personally witnessed during a deposition – and this provides the same general “result” as a written report.

It might seem unnecessary to conduct a deposition, especially if the same witness will later testify in court. However, depositions are useful for various reasons. First, they allow lawyers to evaluate witnesses and determine whether they are reliable enough to testify in court. In addition, lawyers may ask deposed witnesses different questions during a later trial.

 Can a Naples DUI Lawyer Help Me? 

If you are facing charges of DUI, you might want to contact an experienced Naples criminal defense attorney. Effective legal representation is especially important if you have a public reputation to protect. Whether you’re a celebrity, politician, or business leader, a criminal charge could remain on your record and affect your career. To clear your name and avoid unnecessary criminal penalties, consider contacting The Foley & Wilson Law Firm today.

Sources: 

msn.com/en-us/news/crime/judge-oks-questioning-of-naples-police-officer-in-mayor-teresa-heitmanns-dui-arrest/ar-AA1vGWVg

yahoo.com/news/dashcam-video-shows-naples-mayor-162536760.html