House Arrest Conditions Modified for Donte Stallworth

Earlier this year, the national media descended upon Fort Lauderdale to cover the DUI Manslaughter case of Donte Stallworth, notes Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney William Moore. Stallworth was a star professional football player who has a home in the Fort Lauderdale-Dade area. He was out for a night drinking in swanky Fort Lauderdale Beach clubs when he left to return to his home in the early hours of the morning. Stallworth’s vehicle struck Mario Reyes, a local construction worker who was crossing the street to catch a bus after finishing his night shift job. Stallworth immediately contacted the police, but Reyes was killed in the accident, Broward DUI Lawyer William Moore says.

Stallworth’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.126 at the time of the accident, in excess of the 0.08 percent level at which Florida law presumes a driver is too impaired to drive. The football player has maintained that he flashed his lights and honked his horn to warn Reyes prior to the collision and a police investigation of the accident determined that Reyes was not crossing the street in a crosswalk, Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney William Moore says.

The family of Mario Reyes, including his wife and teenaged daughter, apparently sought a quick resolution to the criminal case, as well as the civil case they filed against Stallworth, so that they could move on with their lives. Stallworth accepted a plea deal from Fort Lauderdale-Dade prosecutors that has been widely criticized for its perceived leniency, providing for only about a month in jail, followed by a longer period of house arrest and probation. He also agreed to settle the family’s civil suit for an undisclosed sum of money.

Recently, Stallworth was successful in his bid to challenge the house arrest conditions. He wanted to be able to leave his house five times per week to work out with a personal trainer, due to his need to maintain a very high degree of physical conditioning. The State Attorney’s Office opposed the motion, however, since he is not currently employed as a professional football player. Nonetheless, the judge granted the motion over the state’s objection, leaving Stallworth free to work out at a local high school with a trainer five times per week. He is also allowed to leave his home for employment purposes, to engage in community service, and for certain other court-approved activities.

Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney William Moore provides outstanding DUI defense in Broward, Fort Lauderdale, and Fort Lauderdale-Dade Counties. If you have been charged with a DUI, contact Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer William Moore, P.A.

This article should be used for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice nor as implied representation of any person.

Article contributed by Mallory Shipman, Esq.