12/13/2006
Medical Professor Sues Over False DUI ArrestA University of Colorado medical professor filed a lawsuit against police in the speed trap of Somesville, Maine.
A respected University of Colorado medical professor is suing police officers from the village of Somesville, Maine for arresting him at a speed trap. Dr. Franklyn Judson, 64, filed suit in U.S. District Court against village Police Chief James Willis, and Officers John Wardwell and Mark Keller.
In 2003, President George W. Bush appointed Judson to serve on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. He formerly served as Denver's public health director.
In 2005, Judson, his brother and wives were driving in Somesville past a location where the speed limit dropped from 35 MPH to 25 MPH. The warning sign for the change was hidden behind a bush. Police stopped Judson and put him through a series of sobriety tests. Judson was later shown to be well under the legal limit with a blood alcohol content of just 0.04. Tired from jet lag, however, Judson "failed" the series of roadside tests according to officers at the scene.
Judson was forced to plead guilty on April 5 to "driving to endanger" which cost him $800 and his license was taken away for a month. He is now suing for false imprisonment, malicious prosecution and violation of his civil rights.