On May 6, 2013 at approximately 7:49 A.M. Havelock Emergency Communications Center received two (2) 9-1-1 calls from concerned motorists regarding a vehicle being operated in a dangerous manner within the city limits of Havelock.

In response to those calls Havelock officers were able to observe the vehicle and initiated a vehicle stop on a Chevrolet Van. The van was traveling west on Highway 70 near the city limits on the west end of the city. The operator of that vehicle was identified as Mr. Lee Wilson Bettis, Jr., 48 yoa, of 242 Craven Street in New Bern, NC 28560. Two minor children were passengers in the vehicle.

Based on the manner in which Mr. Bettis was observed operating the vehicle and the results of several Field Sobriety Tests administered to Mr. Bettis officers found cause to arrest Mr. Bettis for Driving While Impaired. Mr. Bettis was also charged with Failure to Maintain Lane Control and Failure to Obey Highway Markings. Mr. Bettis consented to a blood draw which will be analyzed by the SBI lab for alcohol and any other controlled substances. Mr. Bettis was taken before a Magistrate in Craven County where the Magistrate found probable cause to issue a warrant for Driving While Impaired. Mr. Bettis was released and his court date in Craven County District Court will be July 18, 2013.

For further information contact the Havelock Police Department at 252/447-3212. Those persons wishing to provide additional information regarding this incident should contact the Havelock Police Department at 252/447-3212, or, the Havelock Police Department Confidential Tip Line by dialing 252/463-7115. Those persons wishing to use the confidential web site may do so by contacting www.havelocknc.us, select Police, then select Tip. 

According to the news he blew a 0.00 and consented to a blood test and that he was tired, not drunk and couldn't perform the heel toe test due to hip replacement. Was late getting up from staying on the beach from the weekend while moving. What's the law for DUI versus DWI? And how do you get charged with DWI if you blow a 0.00? 

Ambien? 

Driving Under the Influence vs. Driving While Intoxicated.

He could be a pill popper. Or other drugs. He can still be charged if he was high. 

Even if he does not have drugs in his system, I would think they can still charge him with reckless driving. If you are that tired then you shouldn't be behind the wheel. You are endangering lives whether it's tired or under the influence. 

This must have been what I saw right in front of the new fire department near Tucker creek this morning. People text all the time and weave in and out of lanes on Highway 70. Maybe it was just tiredness and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

I know in florida they have a DWD-driving while drowsy. I don't know the punishment, but it's legit. 

He was charged due to failing the field sobriety test.

Since he blew a 0.0, if his blood test comes back clean, the DUI charge will be dropped.

The other charges will probably be reduced. 

My daughter saw him at a restaurant and he appeared drunk; about a year ago. 

Someone said he pushed his wife down the stairs? 

Guess he did but there won't be any charges for that either.... 

if this is out of character for him, if it were my husband, he'd be at the doctor ASAP. MRI, whatever. I'd want to rule out anything else. 

I don't think it's out of character. He allegedly assaulted a woman at the YMCA but charges were dismissed (He got away with it)...

He strikes me as a slime ball lawyer. 

ick

then she needs to take her kids and leave. 

Yup.. they are his step kids.. not his biological kids so it's not like he can hold child custody over her head to keep her there. She needs to get the heck out! 

I have to say out of all my clients...lawyers are the worst. They are energy draining and finicky. Just an observation. 

HEY NOW Boom. Not ALL lawyers are like that. 

I hope they make an example of him. Just because you have "power" you should not be above the law.