I'd like to see the unrepentant perp try to get out of these charges. If you want a future in public service, you have to take responsibility for your actions.

I'm sure he can afford a good enough lawyer to have the charge whittled down to something less onerous than a DUI

There will be no special deal. The defendant will eventually plead "no contest" or "guilty" to DUI (the (a) or (b)) sub-section) and receive the first time caught offender penalties. Meanwhile, having refused to submit to a chemical test for his blood-alcohol level, his license is suspended. If you see him driving, take a video with your cell phone and call the police.

That's good info, @No deal, I didn't know if you refuse a chemical test your license is suspended. That is very good. I hope someone does catch him driving while his license is suspended. You know people do it, believing they won't get caught. His actions were horrifically dangerous and it's only thru the grace of God that he didn't kill someone while passed out at the wheel. I hope they throw the book at him, but they probably won't. They'll wait until he does kill someone and then say how terrible it is.

Defense: He was not driving at 70 mph, the car was! Tesla is responsible.

Worth noting: Lots of people drive under the influence, fall asleep, and have horrible accidents. In this case, the Tesla kept him and maybe many others alive.

@PeaceLove - Likewise I'm glad nobody got injured.

However, there is simply no excuse for the recklessness of driving drunk (with or without driver assistance) and not owning up to it (what sort of example does it set for kids).

@PeaceLove - Totally agree! That Tesla probably saved his miserable life, and perhaps others too.