Grandmother Convicted of Seventh DUI

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Jeannie Jenkins, 53, was convicted of her seventh DUI after drinking alcohol prior to driving to pick up her 1-year-old grandchild from a day care center. A Rolling Meadows jury deliberated for about two hours before finding Jenkins guilty following a three day trial before Judge Kay Hanlon.

Jenkins was arrested in April of last year after she drove to the Community Child Care Center of Palatine Township to pick up her granddaughter. Day care workers reported that she smelled of alcohol and was unable to open a door or grasp paperwork. Police were called after Jenkins struck a parked car and drove out of the parking lot. Officers stopped Jenkins a short distance from the school and administered a field sobriety test, which she failed. She was also given a breathalyzer test but her breaths were insufficient to give a reading.

Jenkins’ defense attorney Terry Slaw argued that reasonable doubt was created when portions of the Palatine police video of the arrest were missing audio. “Some of the most important evidence, slurred speech, is not there,” said Slaw. Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Clarke quickly rejected the defense’s claims reminding jurors that “Cameras are nice… But this is not TV and they are not required.” He urged jurors to rely on testimony from the day care workers and officers who had seen Jenkins on the day of the arrest.

Jenkins has six prior DUI arrests with the last one coming in 1994. According to prosecutors, she did have a valid driver’s license at the time of her arrest in 2012. She was taken into custody following the verdict and Judge Hanlon set the sentencing hearing for July 10, 2013.

The attorneys of Parkman & White, LLC have a history of success in the court room and are ready to represent clients nationwide. If you find yourself facing DUI or DWI charges, it is important to find an experienced DUI attorney to represent you.