Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler was arrested in Tennessee on Thursday night after striking another vehicle with his Dodge Ram. According to authorities, the other driver said that Cutler offered him $2,000 if he elected not to call police.
Ultimately, the other driver decided to contact the authorities and report the accident. Law enforcement arrived on scene and noted that Cutler appeared visibly intoxicated, staggering around the scene and slurring his speech. Officers asked Cutler if he had consumed alcohol that night, and Cutler responded that he had not been drinking before amending that statement to say he had consumed a little. Cutler opted not to partake in standardized field sobriety tests. It was at this time that he was officially placed under arrest.
Loaded Weapon Found In Car
Things went from bad to worse for Cutler after police searched his vehicle. Police said they found a rifle in the back seat and a loaded handgun in the center console. The former quarterback was officially charged with:
- Driving under the influence
- Possession of a handgun while under the influence
- Failure to exercise due care to avoid a collision
- Implied consent
Cutler was transported to the Williamson County Justice Center without issue, and he was officially booked just before 7 p.m. He was given a $5,000 bond, which he later posted, securing his release at 9:59 p.m. He first appearance is scheduled for January 2025.
This is a rough look for the 41-year-old Cutler, who now faces additional penalties as a result of the weapons in his vehicle at the time of arrest. Cutler may also lose his right to carry these firearms if he is convicted on the DUI charge. Under Tennessee law, a person is not allowed to carry a firearm in public if they have been convicted of DUI within the last five years. He still may be able to legally possess a firearm on his own property, but he will not be able to carry a firearm in public if he ends up being convicted.
Because of this, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Cutler attempt to plead down to a lesser charge that allows him to continue to hunt or carry firearms more freely. We’ll keep tabs on his case over the next couple of months to see how everything plays out.
In the meantime, if you or someone you know needs help with a DUI or similar traffic charge, make sure you connect with the experienced team at Appelman Law Firm. For more information, or to schedule a free case review session, give Avery Appelman and his team a call today at (952) 224-2277.
