“I think I kind of blacked out,” Amelia Pappas told the officer during the viral Athens Georgia DUI Arrest that has captured the attention of North Georgia.
The incident began at 2:24 AM in Athens, Georgia, when Sergeant Nathaniel Franco spotted a black Jeep Wrangler driving without headlights.
What started as a simple equipment violation quickly turned into a high-stakes criminal investigation involving a student three times the legal limit.
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Watch: Athens Georgia DUI Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:03:40 where the suspect admits she may have “blacked out” while driving home.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The Athens Georgia DUI Arrest began when Sergeant Franco was observing traffic near West Broad Street and Milledge Avenue. He noticed a 2014 Jeep Wrangler turning onto Milledge with its headlights completely off.
When the officer pulled behind the vehicle, he watched as it turned onto Waddell Street. The driver made a wide turn, veering partially into the oncoming lane.
Sergeant Franco made contact with the driver, identified as 20-year-old Amelia Louise Pappas. Immediately, the officer noted a strong odor of alcohol and slurred speech.
Pappas initially claimed she only had one drink at 7:00 PM. However, her physical condition told a different story.
The officer asked her to step out of the vehicle. He noted her eyes were red and watery. She admitted she was coming from a fraternity house.
Field Sobriety Testing: A Struggle for Balance
During the Athens Georgia DUI Arrest, Pappas agreed to undergo standardized field sobriety tests. The results were a series of “clues” indicating significant impairment.
On the Walk and Turn test, Pappas struggled significantly. She broke her stance, stepped off the line, and missed heel-to-toe steps. At one point, she stopped walking entirely and failed to perform the turn as instructed.
The One Leg Stand was equally difficult for the suspect. She swayed while balancing and put her foot down multiple times.
The Breathalyzer Results: Three Times the Limit
After being placed under arrest, Pappas was transported to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department Downtown Precinct. There, she provided two breath samples.
The results were staggering for a 20-year-old driver. Her lowest sample recorded a .243 BAC.
In Georgia, the legal limit for drivers under 21 is .02. For adults over 21, it is .08. Pappas was over 12 times the underage limit and three times the adult limit.
The Hidden Discovery: A Fictitious Identification
As the Athens Georgia DUI Arrest proceeded, officers noticed a square object hidden inside Pappas’ shirt. Pappas claimed it was just her credit card.
However, a female officer, SPO Wexel, retrieved the item. It was found to be a Mississippi driver’s license for a female over the age of 21.
The license did not appear to be Pappas. Further investigation by Sergeant Franco confirmed the document was a fictitious identification.
The Arrest: Charges Against Amelia Pappas
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| DUI – Alcohol .08g or more | Driving with a blood alcohol level above the limit. | Jail time, heavy fines, license suspension. |
| Headlights Required | Operating a vehicle at night without lights. | Fines and points on driving record. |
| Fictitious Identification | Possession of a fake ID (Seized as evidence). | Additional criminal charges. |
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Legal Analysis: Was the Athens Georgia DUI Arrest Justified?
From a legal standpoint, the Athens Georgia DUI Arrest followed standard Fourth Amendment protocols.
Fourth Amendment Check: The initial stop was legal because the officer had “reasonable suspicion” based on an equipment violation (no headlights). Once contact was made, the odor of alcohol and slurred speech provided “probable cause” for a DUI investigation.
Police Protocol: Sergeant Franco followed standard procedure by administering standardized field sobriety tests. He also correctly read the Georgia Implied Consent Notice for suspects under 21 before the breath test.
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is the legal limit so low for drivers under 21?
Georgia follows “Zero Tolerance” laws, setting the limit at 0.02g for minors to discourage any alcohol consumption before driving. For perspective, even one standard drink can put a 20-year-old over this limit.
What is the DDS-1205 form the officer mentioned?
The DDS-1205 is a temporary driving permit issued when an officer intends to suspend your license following a DUI arrest. It is valid for 45 days, giving the driver time to request an administrative hearing to fight the suspension.
Will this arrest stay on a permanent record?
In Georgia, a DUI conviction generally stays on a criminal history permanently and cannot be expunged. However, an experienced attorney can sometimes negotiate for reduced charges or a “Pre-Trial Diversion” program for first-time offenders.
Can out-of-state drivers lose their license from a Georgia arrest?
Yes. While Georgia officers may allow you to keep your physical out-of-state license (like Pappas’ New York ID), the State of Georgia can suspend your privilege to drive within its borders. Georgia then notifies your home state, which may take further action against your license.
Does a very high BAC (over .15) increase the penalties?
Absolutely. Convictions involving a BAC of 0.15 or higher—like Pappas’ 0.243—often trigger mandatory requirements for an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) and longer clinical evaluations, even for first-time offenders.
Conclusion & Current Status
Amelia Pappas was booked into the Clarke County Jail. Her vehicle was towed by Barrett’s Towing.
The officer served her with a temporary driving permit (DDS-1205) because the state will attempt to suspend her driving privileges. She was allowed to retain her New York license for identification purposes.
While Pappas was cooperative, she now faces a difficult legal road ahead.
Download Police Report click here.
Disclaimer: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This report is based on official police records.
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