Three months following David Koechner’s arrest on New Year’s Eve, the actor has been officially charged with one count of DUI and one count of hit-and-run. The Ventura County District Attorney’s office shared the update with TMZ, and the case will be headed to court in the coming weeks. As the publication previously reported, Koechner was arrested with suspicion of driving under the influence when failing a sobriety test after allegedly driving erratically and hitting a stop sign with his vehicle.
The arrest prompted Koechner’s ex-wife to request suspension of his visitation with their children and urge for sobriety safeguards. According to Radar Online, she claims he has struggled with drugs and alcohol “for over seven years and was previously involved in two car accidents with the Minor children where he was under the influence.” Koechner objected to these allegations and clarified, “My recent stop for an alleged DUI did not occur with any of our children in my custody … I would never do anything to jeopardize the health and safety of our children.”
Each count of the charges could result in up to six months of jail time, however, TMZ noted that first-time offenders typically receive probation and must attend an alcohol awareness and education course. Koechner is seemingly continuing his slate of comedy tour dates for now with little other commentary on his current legal issues.
