Florida Gators’ Carlos Dunlap Pleads Guilty to DUI

Former Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap accepted six months’ probation and 50 hours of community service as punishment for a guilty DUI plea, lawyer Huntley Johnson told the Orlando Sentinel on Friday.

Dunlap was arrested on Dec. 1 — four days before the Southeastern Conference Championship Game — for sleeping in his car while intoxicated at a Gainesville intersection.

Dunlap also must pay a fine for court costs, attend DUI school and serve a six-month license suspension, he learned Friday in court. Johnson said the case was defensible but Dunlap wanted to be held accountable.

Dunlap is currently preparing for the 2010 NFL draft as a likely first-round draft choice.

“It was his decision to accept responsibility for his actions,” Johnson said. “I gave him my analysis of the case — I’m not going to say it wasn’t defensible. I respect his decision.”

Johnson declined to comment on what made the case defensible, citing attorney-client privilege.

Dunlap recorded consecutive nine-sack seasons as a 6-foot-6, 290-pound force on the edge of a dominant UF defense.

But his poor decision to drive while under influence disrupted team chemistry entering the biggest game of the year. The Gators lost to Alabama 32-13 while Dunlap served a suspension, only to return to the team for the Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl.

On Dec. 1, the street light cycled several times while the car remained stopped at Southwest 34th Street at about 3:25 a.m., according to a police report. Dunlap’s car reeked of alcohol, according to the report, and he performed poorly on sobriety tests.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) is a serious offense. A DUI may cause you to lose you drivers’ license, to receive an exorbitant fine, to watch your insurance rates skyrocket, and may even cause you to lose your freedom.

To schedule a free initial consultation visit or call our Charlotte County DUI Office:

318 Tamiami Trail, Suite 214
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: 941-916-3627

We serve the entire state of Florida with criminal and DUI charges. Choose your county to find the office nearest you.

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