Arrests for impaired driving are not the only consequences that can flow from alcohol. For John Galliano, whose blood alcohol level was reported to be 101mg in 100mL of blood at the time of his arrest, I’m sure he’s well aware of this fact.
He was recently arrested at a cafe in Le Marais after it was alleged that he got in an argument that culminated in his making a racial slur and attacking to fellow diners. First Mel Gibson, then Michael Richards, and now John Galliano. Dior, the fashion label for which Mr. Galliano designs, has suspended him pending the investigation.
While I can not know whether John Galliano did indeed commit the acts alleged against him, one thing I do know is that alcohol frequently plays a role in these situations. I have seen clients charged with a wide variety of offences in which alcohol has been involved in one way or another.
The involvement of alcohol in alleged criminal activity is, I’m sure, no surprise to anyone. After all, there is a New Westminster police officer charged with an assault, after he had been drinking. Kelly Ellard, convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Reena Virk, had been drinking at the time of the murder. And of course, we all know about how Lindsay Lohan breached her bail conditions by drinking alcohol.
Alcohol can cause people to make serious mistakes. I don’t think that these mistakes should cost people their lives. I have helped many people who have been in similar situations because of alcohol, and I will continue to do so.
Who knows what really happened with John Galliano? Only time will tell.