PurdueƵs top lawyer Steven Schultz, whose drivers license has been suspended after he was arrested for allegedly drunk driving in December, will now have to blow into a breathalyzer system to start his car every time he drives to work at the university, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Currently charged with operating a vehicle under the influence, SchultzƵs license will stay suspended for 180 days while he uses an ignition interlock system in his car. Only if SchultzƵs breath is alcohol-free will his car start.
Schultz was arrested Dec. 11 after he reportedly cut off a police officer about 5 a.m. while trying to pull out of HarryƵs Chocolate Shop. He reportedly was driving with twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system, the Exponent previously reported.
The senior vice president of PurdueƵs Office of Legal Counsel, Schultz was first hired in 2013 to represent Purdue, give legal advice to administration and oversee the universityƵs legal operations, according to a university press release.
The prosecutor objected to Schultz still being able to use his car, citing his alleged elevated blood alcohol content level when he was arrested.
SchultzƵs lawyer said his commute to both PurdueƵs West Lafayette campus and Indianapolis as a reason he should be able to drive while his license is suspended.
The judge, Michael Morrissey, agreed to allow Schultz to drive for Ƶnecessity of lifeƵ and work-related reasons, telling Schultz he has a Ƶzero tolerance policyƵ if the interlock system registers alcohol.
Schultz is required to install the system within two weeks, and it will be required until Sep. 19.
Schultz and his lawyer declined to give comment.
A pretrial conference is set for April 2.