The naked DWI arrest of singer Randy Travis in Texas seems to be one controversy that won’t go away any time soon. More than five years after the high profile drunk driving arrest the singer is suing the arresting authorities.
Travis was naked during his arrest in 2012. His lawyers have spent the intervening years seeking to block the release of evidence of the incident, reported MySanAntonio.
In September, the country singer filed a lawsuit against the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Attorney General. He sought to block the release of video footage of the incident during which he was naked.
Travis was arrested after his car apparently crashed into several barricades. He left his home without any clothing on, drove his car while drunk and suffered a concussion that impacted his mental faculties, the suit, filed in federal court in Texas stated.
Naked DWI arrest of Randy Travis leads to civil lawsuit
A long-running legal battle has taken place over the release of the recording. The lawsuit contends its release to the media would contravene the Americans With Disabilities Act, as well as the 1st and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
The singer’s lawsuit claims that although key details of the arrest have become known, some details should remain private such as how his compromised medical condition and state of mind impacted his physical actions, words, and manner.
A report on TMZ said the singer was naked when officers found him. Police reports stated he threatened to shoot and kill the troopers who arrested him.
Travis is fighting a state appeals court ruling earlier this year that the video footage be made public. Chief Justice Jeff Rose said video of the arrest did not fall within Texas’ medical exemptions. He told the court privacy protections are not applicable if actions take place in a public location like on a highway.
Travis pleaded guilty to a DWI in exchange for the obstruction and retaliation charges being dropped, according to reports.
Due to the singer’s celebrity and the unusual circumstances of the arrest, there was considerable interest in dashcam video from the police car. Requests were submitted under the Freedom of Information Act for the footage.
In Texas, a DWI can carry a considerable social stigma as well as a criminal sanction. Please contact our experienced Tarrant County drunk driving lawyers if you have been charged with this serious offense.
Similar Posts by The Author:
Publicaciones Similares del Autor:
(682) 204-4066 We cannot receive pictures via text so please send those via email or hand deliver to our office.
