DUI Arrest Contests in Florida – Mike Williams

The arrest of NFL player Mike Williams for DUI by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy Carl McCalla sparked controversy due to discrepancies in the evidence. Williams was initially accused of driving under the influence with a BAC of .065/.061, below the legal limit of .08, and failing field sobriety tests. However, a subsequent urine test revealed no drugs in his system, leading the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office to drop all charges.

Concerns arose regarding the validity of the arrest, particularly given Deputy McCalla’s history of winning DUI arrest contests. Critics, including Tampa DUI Attorney Casey Ebsary, questioned the “thoroughness” of the investigation and the potential influence of such award-driven law enforcement practices. The focus shifted to the incentive structure within law enforcement, where awards and equipment are given for meeting arrest quotas, potentially compromising impartial judgment.

Williams’ legal team maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal, stating that he was not impaired and that the video evidence supported their claim. The emotional toll on Williams was significant, given his efforts to rehabilitate his image after previous issues. He received support from his team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who continued to play him during the investigation, and his impressive rookie season highlighted his talent, solidifying his standing within the NFL.

The case brought to light broader issues surrounding DUI arrests in Florida, including the commercialization of law enforcement and the potential for biased practices due to arrest contests and financial incentives. Legal professionals like Casey Ebsary emphasized the need for impartial law enforcement, raising concerns about the impact of such contests on the integrity of the justice system.

Mike Williams – Bucaneers Worst DUI Arrest Award

Concerns About Deputy’s DUI Arrest Contest

Tampa DUI Attorney has been closely monitoring the activities of Deputy Carl McCalla of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). The recent case involving the arrest of professional athlete Mike Williams, where the suspect’s Breath Alcohol Content (BAC) was recorded as .065/.061 and the subsequent clean urine test, raises questions. Mike would tragically die in a construction accident in 2023.

Media reports: DUI charge against Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Williams dropped.

One can reasonably question the accuracy of the “thorough” investigation by the HCSO DUI unit, especially considering the charges initially brought against this 23-year-old star. After enduring months of public scrutiny, Williams has been cleared by the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office. Deputy McCalla, previously featured for winning a DUI Arrest contest, brings attention to the potential flaws in such award-driven law enforcement practices.

The Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office has decided not to pursue charges against Bucs receiver Mike Williams for driving under the influence.

The rookie was arrested in November, accused of driving a black Cadillac at 57 mph in a 45 mph zone near U.S. 301 and Causeway Boulevard in east Hillsborough County shortly before 3 a.m. and weaving between lanes.

Although tests indicated that his blood-alcohol level was 0.065 percent and 0.061 percent, which is below the 0.08 percent threshold at which the state presumes a driver is impaired, authorities claimed Williams failed a field-sobriety test, smelled of alcohol, and appeared to have glassy eyes.

State attorney spokesman Mark Cox stated on Friday that lab results showed Williams, 23, had no drugs in his system. After reviewing these results and Williams’ performance in the roadside field-sobriety test, prosecutors decided to drop the DUI.

Here is our award – Our Opinion – Carl McCalla, HCSO, today’s worst DUI in the World!

DUI In-Car Video From Mike Williams’ Arrest | You Decide

Busted for DUI? Tell Me About It. Toll-Free 1-877-793-9290.

Hillsborough DUI Deputy Busts Football Player | Case Dropped

State Attorney’s Decision

“Based on the evidence we had, we did not feel we had a legally sufficient basis to proceed with the case,” Cox said.

Williams’ Response

Williams declined to comment, but his attorney said his client was never concerned about the outcome.

“He had nothing to hide and he was not worried when the State of Florida was taking his urine because he knew there was nothing in there illegal,” a lawyer said. “He had nothing to worry about.”

Asked his assessment of the videotape showing the field-sobriety test, the lawyer was unequivocal.

“Mike Williams was not impaired that evening and the videotape confirms that,” he said. “That’s what we always maintained. The state attorney’s office reviewed all the evidence in this case and they came to the same conclusion.”

Emotional Impact

The whole ordeal took a bit of an emotional toll on Williams,  considering the questions about his history at Syracuse and his attempt to walk a straight-and-narrow path since being drafted.

“He was obviously very upset at the fact he was arrested because he had come to the Bucs and was having a great year and working real hard and didn’t want anything to detract from the team because of team goals and also for himself,” the attorney said.

“It really hurt him. But he was confident from the beginning that all the facts would come out and he thanks the Bucs organization, teammates and fans who all stood by him during this incident. He was just glad that it was able to be resolved quickly.” said the lawyer.

Team Support

Williams had the support of his team throughout. Coach Raheem Morris opted to play Williams two days after his arrest in a game at San Francisco.

“We’re pleased by this news and are happy for Mike, who is already focused on an exciting 2011 season,” said Bucs director of communications Jonathan Grella.

Impressive Rookie Year

Williams, a fourth-round pick from Syracuse, may have been the steal of the 2010 NFL draft.

He was considered a first-round talent, but his stock dropped because he left the Syracuse team with three games to play after missing curfew for the second time in 2009.

Williams was the first player in the Bucs’ 2010 class to sign with the team, agreeing to a four-year deal worth about $3.15-million on June 4 so he could begin preparing for his first pro season. He made a quick impression on the Bucs in rookie minicamp and was a starter in the regular-season opener against Cleveland. The 6-foot-1, 212-pound Williams led all rookie receivers with 65 receptions for 964 yards and 11 touchdowns, breaking Joey Galloway’s club record for receiving TDs. In fact, Williams is the first rookie to have double-digit touchdown receptions since Randy Moss in 1998.

That performance earned Williams a spot on the Sporting News All-Rookie NFL team. Williams also is one of five finalists for the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year award.

Statute Violated: 316089(1) Severity: INFRACTION
Statute Description: FAIL TO DRV IN SINGLE LAN