Unser Jr. arrested on DUI charge again
Walton said in court that there are motions that need to be addressed and an issue raised with respect to belt tapes. Walton said she was told by attorneys that it might be beneficial for her to listen to the belt tapes prior to trial.
Another unrelated trial also had been scheduled today in Walton’s courtroom. Walton said she could not have two trials on the same day.
Walton said the unrelated trial needed to be brought first because the charges were older.
Unser Jr.’s trial has been reset for April 12.
The drunken driving trial for two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser begins Monday in Albuquerque.
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| Unser Jr – police mug shot |
01/05/12 Racing legend turned alcoholic Al Unser Jr. is facing more severe drunken driving charges after a New Mexico judge granted a prosecution request for the upgrade based on a previous conviction.
KOB-TV reports that Unser, a two-time Indy 500 winner, was arrested in September after police say he was driving his SUV at speeds faster than 100 mph while racing another vehicle. Authorities say his blood-alcohol content was twice the legal limit.
Unser, known in racing circles as "Little Al," previously pleaded no contest to a drunken driving charge in 2007 in Las Vegas, Nev.
Unser, who is retired, was not at the hearing Wednesday because his appearance was waived.
The charges have been changed from aggravated DWI 1 to aggravated DWI 2.
Unser is set to go trial March 5.
09/29/11 INDYCAR issued the following statement today regarding the charges filed against Al Unser Jr. in Albuquerque, N.M.
"INDYCAR is aware of the charges and will not be commenting at this time. Al Unser Jr. has been suspended indefinitely and relieved of his duties in Race Control, pending further investigation."
09/29/11 Retired American race car driver, two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, and current IndyCar advisor, Al Unser Jr. has been arrested on drunken driving and reckless driving charges in New Mexico.
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| Unser Jr – arrested and now suspended by IndyCar |
KRQE-TV reports that the 49-year-old was arrested this morning in Albuquerque, where he lives. Authorities say Unser was drag racing another car in his Suburban and was going over 100 miles per hour.
He was charged with reckless driving and aggravated driving while intoxicated.
Unser was released from jail on his own recognizance.
It was unclear if he had an attorney. No one answered a phone call to a number listed under his name.
Unser, who is retired, won the Indianapolis 500 in 1992 and 1994.
In a 2009 interview with The Indianapolis Star, Unser acknowledged he's an alcoholic.
Unser said he took his last drink on July 9, 2009, the day he was arrested after his girlfriend, Jena L. Soto, told police he had hit her while driving on an Indianapolis interstate. Formal charges were not filed in the case.
He entered an alcohol treatment program.