Thomas Ravenel may have to take ‘time out’ from polo to defend DWI. Thomas Ravenel, 50, the former state treasurer from South Carolina, was recently in the Hamptons to play polo for the Southampton Polo team. As reported by The East Hampton Star, East Hampton Village police allege that in the early morning hours of July 22nd, 2013 – Mr. Ravenel swerved lanes and drove on the shoulder. He was taken to the police station where he refused to take a breath test. Mr. Ravenel was charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI).

He appeared in East Hampton Town Justice Court on the same day before Justice Catherine A. Cahill. The justice set bail at $750 – cash. However, Mr. Ravenel informed her that he could only withdraw $600 with his bankcard and that he had $65 available in his wallet. With that, the justice altered the bail amount to $650.

Mr. Ravenel was elected as South Carolina’s state treasurer in 2006. However, he only served as treasurer for six months. He resigned in 2007 when he was indicted for buying and distributing cocaine. He served seven months on those federal charges. Prior to his recent DWI arrest, Mr. Ravenel was in the process of making a political comeback. He made attempts to rebuild his name and character in the public’s eye once again. Mr. Ravenel is even scheduled to appear on an upcoming reality TV show.

Mr. Ravenel’s father, Arthur Ravenel, Jr. was also a politician. He was a member of South Carolina’s House of Representatives.

Mr. Ravenel may have to hold off on his political and polo plans for now and instead focus on his DWI charges. He will have to wait to find out what the ‘third man’ – or woman decides in court regarding the charges.

Mr. Ravenel is set to appear in court again on August 8th, 2013.

BAC Test Refusal

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, the consequences for blood alcohol content (BAC) test refusal includes:

> Driver’s license suspension at court arraignment
> Driver’s license revocation for a minimum of one year at DMV hearing
> $500 civil penalty ($750 for second offense)

Penalties for BAC test refusal for those drivers under the age of 21 include license revocation for one year and a $125 civil penalty.

DWI Legal Advice

If you received a DWI in Watertown or anywhere in the State of New York – you need to contact the legal team at Nave DWI Defense Attorneys in order to get the results you want. Nave DWI Defense Attorneys solely focuses on DWI defense – we are dedicated to our clients and committed to obtaining a favorable outcome on behalf of our clients.

The exclusive purpose of this article is educational and it is not intended as either legal advice or a general solution to any specific legal problem. Corporate offices for Nave DWI Defense Attorneys are located at 432 N. Franklin Street, Suite 80, Syracuse, NY 13204; Telephone No.: 1-866-792-7800. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.