Seattle Seahawks Quarterback Geno Smith Not Charged with DUI
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith will not face charges of driving under the influence (DUI) stemming from an incident on January 10, 2022, according to a statement released by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The office stated that it does not believe it can prove reckless driving or DUI beyond a reasonable doubt.
The decision not to file charges was based on the lack of evidence to rebut likely explanations for Smith’s bad driving. While it was confirmed that Smith had consumed alcohol and marijuana, prosecutors were unable to determine the exact effect these substances had on his ability to drive. As a result, a reasonable doubt exists as to whether his driving was affected by alcohol or marijuana.
The statement from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office explained that in order to file a DUI charge, prosecutors must be able to prove that a person’s blood-alcohol concentration was at least .08. However, Smith’s blood-alcohol concentration was found to be less than half of that at .038. Similarly, a DUI can be proven if a person’s THC concentration is 5 or higher on a blood test, but Smith’s level was only 2.6.
In addition to the lack of conclusive evidence, prosecutors also mentioned concerns regarding the handling of Smith’s blood samples. The samples were stored in a refrigerator that failed at the Washington State Crime Lab, raising potential issues that could lead to litigation.
Despite the legal situation, Smith had an impressive season with the Seahawks in 2021. He played in all 17 games, throwing 30 touchdown passes for 4,282 yards, both career highs. He also led Seattle to the NFC wild-card game, showcasing his skills and contributing to the team’s success.
The decision not to charge Smith with DUI highlights the importance of having sufficient evidence to support criminal charges. Prosecutors must be able to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and in this case, the evidence fell short of meeting that standard. While Smith’s consumption of alcohol and marijuana was confirmed, the exact impact on his ability to drive could not be determined.
This outcome also raises questions about the handling of blood samples in criminal investigations. The failure of the refrigerator at the Washington State Crime Lab, where Smith’s blood samples were stored, highlights the need for proper protocols and safeguards to ensure the accuracy and integrity of forensic evidence.
It is worth noting that this incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of driving under the influence. While Smith was not charged with DUI in this case, it is important for individuals to understand the dangers and legal ramifications associated with impaired driving. Driving under the influence poses a significant risk to oneself and others on the road, and it is crucial to prioritize safety and make responsible choices.
As for Geno Smith, he can now focus on his career with the Seattle Seahawks and continue to contribute to the team’s success on the field. With his impressive performance last season, he has proven himself as a valuable asset to the team, and fans can look forward to seeing him in action in future games.
In conclusion, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith will not face charges of DUI following an incident in January 2022. The decision was based on the lack of evidence to prove reckless driving or DUI beyond a reasonable doubt. While Smith’s consumption of alcohol and marijuana was confirmed, prosecutors were unable to determine the exact effect on his ability to drive. This outcome emphasizes the importance of sufficient evidence in criminal cases and raises concerns about the handling of blood samples in forensic investigations. Moving forward, Smith can focus on his career with the Seahawks and continue to contribute to the team’s success.