The DUI case against Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer was bound over to the State Court of Fulton County at the request of the City of Atlanta’s Solicitor’s office. A court date will be set at a later time.
The motion to have the case moved was filed before Judge Christopher E. Ward in Atlanta Municipal Court Thursday. Budenholzer was not required, nor did he attend, the initial hearing in the case.
Budenholzer’s attorney Michael Hawkins appeared at the hearing. According to Hawkins, the defense requested police reports and video from Budenholzer’s arrest and it was the prosecution that made a request for a change of venue.
“As you can see, the legal process is unfolding,” Budenholzer said before the Hawks played the Spurs in an exhibition game at Philips Arena Thursday. “At this point, there is nothing else appropriate for me to say until the conclusion of the entire process.”
A call to the Solicitor’s office was not returned.
Budenholzer was arrested Aug. 28 while driving on 10th Street at Crescent Avenue in Midtown. After being stopped by the DUI task force known as the Nighthawks, Budenholzer was given several field sobriety tests. He was arrested and charged with DUI and a tail light violation and was released on $1,524 bond. Budenholzer pleaded not guilty to both charges and is disputing several conditions of his arrest.
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. Budenholzer would also face a suspension from the NBA, likely two games. Nets coach Jason Kidd was suspended by the league for the team’s first two regular-season games after he pleaded guilty to DWI earlier this month. Mavericks forward Devin Ebanks was also suspended two games for pleading nolo contendere to a DUI charge this week.
The City of Atlanta Municipal Court is the initial point of jurisdiction for DUI cases. Such cases are often moved to the State Court of Fulton County because it has the ability to conduct jury trials.
About the Author
