News / Law
Former U.S. Ambassador Crocker Arrested For DUI and Hit-and-Run
A former U.S. ambassador Ryan Crocker was arrested in Washington State on August 14th for DUI following a hit-and-run accident.
Crocker, 63, who is one the nation’s most decorated State Department diplomats, was attempting to make a turn at the intersection of Sprague Ave and Pines Rd. Washington State Police said that Crocker was is in a far left lane when he attempted to make a right turn, crossed two lanes of traffic and clipped a tractor-trailer, KXLY TV reported.
The truck driver was not injured.
The Mustang he was driving spun around and sustained major damage to the passenger side but he continued to drive. When police caught up with him shortly down the road, his right tire was completely flat.
Crocker was placed under arrest and given a blood alcohol test at the police station. Two tests showed his blood alcohol concentration was .16 and .152, which is twice Washington State’s legal limit.
State Trooper Troy Briggs told KXLY, “It was fairly obvious that Mr. Crocker was highly intoxicated, further stating he was cooperative with police. ‘
Crocker served as the ambassador in the Middle East under numerous administrations. He came out of retirement to serve under President Obama but turned in his resignation this past July, citing medical reasons.
The next day Crocked pleaded not guilty to the DUI charges. By pleading not guilty he is paving the way for a DUI attorney to build an effective defense.
Though it can be hard to stop a DUI conviction, it is possible and courts often allow offenders to make a plea deal with prosecution for a lesser charge or lenient sentencing. But negotiating these arrangements requires expert legal representation.
