The former goalie for the Phoenix Coyotes, Nikolai Khabibulin, was arrested in Feb. 2010 for drunk driving. According to police reports, Khabibulin was on his way to his Scottsdale home around 12:30 a.m. when he was pulled over and consented to participating in sobriety tests. He also allowed the police to administer a blood test that was meant to confirm his blood alcohol level (BAC).

The test revealed that his BAC was 0.164, which is more than twice the legal limit of 0.08. A second party, however, tested the same blood during the DUI trial and found that the level was not as high. The trial responsible for determining the validity of the DUI charges against the hockey star took place on Aug. 24, wherein the judge decided that the initial blood test was most credible and he, therefore, convicted Khabibulin with an extreme DUI.

The sentencing hearing occurred on Aug. 31, and the judge sentenced Khabibulin to 30 days in jail and a fine of about $1,500. He is also required to attend an alcohol counseling program. In regards to sentencing in an extreme DUI case, this is basically the minimum sentence, but it is not minimal enough for Khabibulin and his defense attorney.

According to sources, Khabibulin's lawyer filed appeals papers immediately after hearing the sentencing decision. Details about what issues regarding the court's decision will be challenged on appeal are yet to be made public, but at least for now, Khabibulin does not have to follow the terms of the DUI sentence while the appeals process is in the works.

Khabibulin, now the goalie for the Edmonton Oilers, has already begun a substance abuse program provided for him and required by the National Hockey League, and representatives of his team have shared that they look forward to him rejoining the group when training begins.  

Resource

azcentral.com: Former Coyotes goalie Khabibulin appeals DUI verdict (9/3/2010)