Noted rapper and former Public Enemy hype man Flavor Flav was arrested early on the morning of May 21, according to local law enforcement. Flav, whose real name is William Drayton, stands accused of DUI as well as misdemeanor possession of marijuana. As of this report, it is unclear if he is still in Nevada police custody.
Police reports indicate the rapper was pulled over for allegedly speeding on Interstate 15. Upon pulling his car to the side, the attending officers say they arrested him for driving under the influence. No mention of a roadside sobriety test was made in the report. Police also say they found marijuana in Drayton’s possession, though the details regarding that claim were not further reported.
The 56-year-old entertainer was also booked for driving with a suspended registration and a suspended license. No bail amount was mentioned, and it has not been confirmed if he remains in police custody as of this report. Additionally, no court date was indicated.
Given Mr. Drayton’s public persona and celebrity, this story could generate a considerable amount of media attention. Nevada prosecutors will need to produce clear and compelling evidence of guilt if they wish to see him convicted on the DUI charge. A failure to provide evidence that a sobriety test was conducted within the bounds of Drayton’s personal rights could result in that charge being thrown out of court or in certain prosecution evidence being excluded from trial. It is also possible that a negotiated plea agreement could result in reduced charges and/or sentencing considerations.
Source: thewrap.com, “Flavor Flav Arrested for DUI, Pot Possession in Nevada“, Tim Kenneally, May 21, 2015