Anthony DeLuca Represents Pitt Football Player Tyler Boyd
On the night of his arrest, Boyd, a star wide receiver for the Panthers, stated that he’d had only two shots of alcohol. However, at the time of the arrest he was 20 years old, which is under the age of legal drinking in Pennsylvania. Individuals younger than 21 who are caught drinking and driving can be charged at a lower blood-alcohol level than the usual 0.08 percent for adult drivers.
In a July hearing, a judge ordered Boyd to spend a year on probation and to participate in safe driving classes. In addition, his driver’s license was suspended for 90 days, and he will be required to pay court costs. Successfully completing the requirements will mean that Boyd, as a first-time offender, will not be sentenced to jail time. He can then ask the court to erase the record of his arrest in Jefferson Hills.
Attorney Anthony DeLuca has represented Boyd throughout his case. DeLuca noted that Boyd was “very aggressive” in completing the requirements of the court.
Passing attempt led to charges
Boyd was arrested at approximately 2:30 a.m. on June 12 after an officer observed him attempting to maneuver around a car in an intersection, which is against Pennsylvania law. Following the arrest, Boyd submitted to breath and blood tests, and he was released to a relative later that morning. Charges against Boyd were filed the following Tuesday, because local courts were closed for the Flag Day holiday on Monday, June 15.
Underage Drinking and Driving in Pennsylvania
Adult drivers are legally under the influence with blood-alcohol content in excess of 0.08 percent. For individuals younger than 21, that threshold drops to just 0.02 percent, which most people attain with only one drink.
A first-time DUI offender can receive two days in jail and a fine as great as $5,000. However, first offenders such as Boyd typically are eligible for a program that allows them to serve probation without entering a guilty plea. Defendants can request that their arrest records be expunged if they complete their probationary period, typically a year, without further incident.
Pitt coach “disappointed” with arrest
Panthers coach Pat Narduzzi issued a statement after the June arrest noting his disappointment at the charges against Boyd. He said he and his staff have high expectations for their players and that Boyd would be held accountable for violating team rules for appropriate behavior.
Boyd is originally from Clairton, Pennsylvania, just south of Pittsburgh. In his sophomore year at Pitt, he caught 78 passes and was selected as first-team All-ACC.
In 2013, his freshman year, Boyd was recognized as the most productive of the nation’s freshmen receivers, making 85 catches for 1,174 yards, along with seven touchdowns. He set freshman records at Pitt for receptions and yards.
