Georgia RB Trevor Etienne's DUI Charges Dropped in Plea Deal After March Arrest
July 11, 2024
Georgia running back Trevor Etienne reached a plea deal on Wednesday in his case that stemmed from a March arrest for allegedly driving under the influence.
Per Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald, Etienne's charges of DUI less safe and DUI under 21 were dismissed after he agreed to plead no contest to a reckless driving charge while pleading guilty to underage possession of alcohol, failure to maintain lane and a window tint violation.
The 20-year-old received 12 months of probation, an $852 fine and a supervision fee of $45 per month. He was required to complete a substance abuse evaluation, 40 hours of community service and an alcohol risk reduction program. He will also be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings.
Police alleged that Etienne drove his vehicle at least 80 miles per hour in a 50 mph zone in the early morning of March 24. He also allegedly passed over double yellow lines and passed a vehicle before being pulled over. He admitted to drinking three beers earlier in the night, but he refused field sobriety and blood alcohol tests.
The judge determined there wasn't enough evidence to support the DUI charges.
"We're pleased the evidence didn't support the DUI charge to begin with," Etienne's attorney, Kim Stephens, told Weiszer. "We're pleased the Solicitor's Office saw that and agreed to something that wasn't a DUI."
Stephens added that the case had a legal question as to whether implied consent was read correctly during Etienne's arrest.
"The likelihood is that the refusal of the test would not have been admissible," he said. "In fact, Trevor agreed to take a breath test at one point during the stop but was never given an opportunity."
A transfer from Florida, Etienne was expected to be Georgia's starting running back in 2024. The younger brother of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne totaled 1,472 yards and 15 touchdowns in two seasons with the Gators.
It has not yet been announced whether Georgia will discipline Etienne ahead of its season opener against Clemson on Aug. 31. Head coach Kirby Smart is scheduled to speak to reporters on Tuesday at SEC media days in Dallas.
"In addition to our university discipline process, we've got all of the stuff we deal with inside house," Smart said at the time of Etienne's arrest. "Disappointed in his decision-making, but he is a good kid."