After multiple postponements, a new trial date has been set for Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer in his driving under the influence case. It appears the nearly three-year-old case will finally be heard on June 21-22 in Fulton County State Court.
The case will be heard by Judge Diane E. Bessen.
Budenholzer faces misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence alcohol less safe and defective or no taillights from an arrest Aug. 28, 2013 after being stopped by police at 10:30 p.m. at 10th Street and Crescent Avenue in Midtown.
The case was moved to Fulton County State Court at the request of the prosecutor’s office during the initial hearing in Atlanta Municipal Court in October 2013. The statute of limitations was three months from expiring when the case was first placed on the court docket in May of 2015.
Budenholzer entered a plea of not guilty via documents filed in July.
The case was postponed on several occasions. It was delayed once the Hawks’ NBA season began, including dates in January and March, after again being placed on the court docket in October.
Budenholzer faces up to a year in jail, as much as a $1,000 fine, a driver’s license suspension and community services for a first-time offense. If Budenholzer is found guilty, he would also face a likely two-game suspension from the NBA. Current Bucks coach Jason Kidd was suspended for the first two games of the 2013-14 season while with the Nets after he pleaded guilty to driving while impaired.
About the Author
