Chattanooga: Defense attorney faces alcohol charges

photo Hank Hill, a criminal defense attorney, was arrested on a driving impaired charge, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Contributed photo

A veteran criminal defense attorney was arrested on charges of driving while impaired and violating the implied consent law, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

Hank Hill, 61, was arrested Sunday night, according to the sheriff's office. He was released on his own recognizance.

When contacted by phone, Hill declined to comment.

Hill, who represents clients for DUI in his practice, is also head of the local criminal defense attorney association.

A Hamilton County Sheriff's Office deputy found Hill inside a 1984 pickup in a ditch at 600 Key Hulse Road on Signal Mountain, according to an arrest report.

The deputy helped Hill out and performed field sobriety tests, noting that Hill performed poorly, the report said. Four empty beer cans were found in the truck, according to the report.

Hill took a Breathalyzer test six times, but samples were insufficient for results, the report said, and Hill declined to give a blood sample at a local hospital, which prompted the charge for violation of implied consent.

Contact Beth Burger at bburger@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6406.

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