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State senator faces drunken driving charge

Associated Press
Published May 10, 2004

MAITLAND - A central Florida state senator was arrested on a drunken driving charge early Sunday after his car was spotted speeding and drifting across lanes, police said.

Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, was stopped by a Maitland police officer on State Road 414, according to a police report. The report said Constantine's black Mercedes was traveling 57 mph in a 45-mph zone.

Constantine, 51, did not return messages left on his home phone and cell phone late Sunday. Messages left with his offices were not returned.

Constantine was charged with driving under the influence with a prior conviction. A police spokeswoman said his criminal history was not immediately available.

Constantine was arrested at 12:15 a.m. Sunday after failing a roadside sobriety test, the report said. He refused a Breathalyzer test more than an hour later. Police said Constantine was released from Orange County jail later Sunday on $500 bond.

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