by Former U.S. Attorney Arrested for DUI While Sober
Tennessee is experiencing a rise in cases where sober drivers are being wrongfully arrested for driving under the influence, raising serious concerns about law enforcement methods. Since the results of portable breathalyzers are not admissible as evidence in state courts, officers often rely on standard field sobriety tests, which can be unreliable. The recent arrest has drawn public attention not only due to the circumstances but also because of the identity of the detainee—a former U.S. Attorney.
The Case of Jane Bondurant
The driver was 71-year-old Jane Bondurant, who was arrested after a minor accident with a local police officer. State Trooper Sam Zan conducted a field sobriety test, claiming in his report that she had “bloodshot red eyes” and signs of alcohol consumption. However, the results of a blood test conducted after her arrest in November 2024 confirmed her innocence: aside from a sleeping pill taken the night before, there were no drugs or alcohol in her blood. The charges were dropped, but Bondurant remains outraged.
Shock was the first reaction. Trauma. And this trauma lasted for months. I think I am the eighth unnecessary victim in this story.
The Scale of the Problem and the Government’s Response
Of the 16 cases of wrongful DUI arrests uncovered by WSMV, eight were carried out by Trooper Zan himself. Statewide, over 600 sober people have been arrested since 2017. The wave of false accusations has led to some positive changes: Governor Bill Lee announced a new law requiring the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to collect data on sober drivers wrongfully arrested for DUI.
The Hidden Consequences of Wrongful Arrests
However, the report will not include the consequences of such incidents. For example, Bondurant lost her insurance coverage due to the arrest. Undoubtedly, she is far from the only one who has suffered at this level, and it is likely that others have faced even more difficult circumstances. One of the victims noted: “My life for the last 17-18 months has been a nightmare.” It is hoped that Tennessee can resolve this issue, which will be an important step for driver safety.
Wrongful DUI arrests not only cause emotional and financial suffering to individuals but also undermine public trust in law enforcement. Improving testing procedures and data transparency could help prevent similar cases in the future, ensuring justice for all drivers.
