Michael Pineda Yankee’s Pitcher arrested for DUI
Michael Pineda, the Yankees most prized off-season acquisition last winter, was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) early Monday Morning. Tampa police arrested Pineda, whose blood alcohol concentration was 0.128% and 0.125% in two separate blood alcohol concentration (BAC) readings, almost twice as high as the legal limit in the state of Florida. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Michael Pineda (Photo credit: Wikipedia)"]
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Tampa police report the Yankee player was stopped at 2:35 a.m. on North Dale Mabry Highway. According to police reports, Pineda was driving a Nissan sports utility vehicle without his headlights on and was weaving on a busy Tampa road. Police also indicated that they could smell, "a distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath and his speech was slurred." He also "had a fixed gaze and his eyes were bloodshot, watery and glassy."
Pineda was charged with DUI and released on a $500 bond just before noon on Monday.
Pineda, who had promised to be a great trade for the Yankees, did not play last year due to a shoulder injury. He was acquired by the Yankees after a series of trades with the Seattle Mariners.
Pineda struggled all season to meet the expectations of the YankeeÂ’s team. He was expected to be the first string pitcher but had trouble beating the number two pitcher CC Sabathia. Eventually, Pineda, who had been expected to throw between 94-98 mph, was benched and the Yankees announced he would need surgery and a season long recovery.
Pineda is currently living in Tampa, Florida, and is in the process of rehabilitating his shoulder.
This is a terrible incident for a young pitcher, who just a year ago, seemed so promising. In 2011, Pineda was part of the All-Star team.
Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman told The Post “no comment” when asked about Pineda’s arrest.
Florida DUI Penalties
 A Florida DUI arrest is serious and can lead to fines between $500 to $1000, 50 hours of mandatory community service, incarceration up six months (more for a high BAC), potential attendance in a residential alcoholism or drug abuse treatment program, and possible probation. Additionally, the state of Florida does not allow you to expunge or seal your DUI conviction, and a DUI conviction could prohibit employment in certain professions. If you are charged with DUI but your case is dismissed, is not prosecuted, or the charges are thrown out of court, the DUI arrest may be expunged. If you have been arrested for DUI in Florida it is time to talk to a DUI lawyer. A DUI lawyer can answer your questions and make sure you understand the consequences of pleading guilty to DUI.