West Palm Beach, FL:

Driving under the influence is something that has always bothered me. Epecially in today’s day and age with apps like Uber and Lyft, there is no reason to ever get behind the wheel intoxicated. Walking is hard enough with a BAL (blood alcohol level) more than double the legal limit, driving an automobile with a CHILD UNBUCKLED IN THE BACKSEAT is completely unacceptable. That’s exactly what Brandy Lerma of Boyton Beach did. She had her 3 year old unbuckled in the backseat while driving under the influence in Palm Beach County. Thankfully her erratic driving was noticed, police were notified and she was pulled over before she could hurt herself or someone else.

When she was pulled over her breathalyzer results showed she blew a .200 followed by a .187, the legal limit in Florida is a .08. Brandy later told officers she was not only drinking, but abusing prescription pills including Percocet and Xanax. She combined those pills with two shots of Fireball, a popular cinnamon flavored alcoholic beverage. The prescription pill epidemic is a serious issue here in South Florida, Boca Raton is no exception to this ongoing addiction epidemic that is facing our nation.

According to court records, Brandy is facing several charges including child abuse and DUI. After her $3,000 bond was met she was released from Palm beach County Jail on Sunday.

Please keep our streets safe and do not drive under the influence. I take great pride in being a resident of Palm Beach County. If you do go out to drink make sure you have transportation arrangements made, there is never a good reason to get behind the wheel while under the influence of any mood or mind altering substances.