The ‘Bulin Wall’ Convicted on DUI Charge

August 28, 2010 –Adam Steevens

Nikolai Khabibulin will see at least 30 days of jail time for the DUI he picked up in Arizona last year, as reported by Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic:

“Edmonton Oilers goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin has been found guilty today of driving under the influence, according to Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic, who provided live updates from the Scottsdale courthouse where Friday’s trial occurred.
The official charges Khabibulin has been convicted of today:
- driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol content above 0.08.
- extreme DUI
- excessive speed
A charge of “DUI with impairment to the slightest degree” was thrown out during the proceedings, according to McLellan.
As reported earlier this year, the “extreme DUI” charge, which means he operated a vehicle with a BAC between 0.15 and 0.20, comes with a minimum sentence of 30 days in jail.
The Copper & Blue had those details in February, via the Arizona Revised Statutes:
D. A person who is convicted of a violation of this section:
1. Shall be sentenced to serve not less than thirty consecutive days in jail
2. Shall pay a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars,
3. Shall pay an additional assessment of two hundred fifty dollars.
4. May be ordered by a court to perform community restitution.
5. Shall be required by the department, on receipt of the report of conviction, to equip any motor vehicle the person operates with a certified ignition interlock device pursuant to section 28-3319. In addition, the court may order the person to equip any motor vehicle the person operates with a certified ignition interlock device for more than twelve months beginning on the date of reinstatement of the person’s driving privilege following a suspension or revocation or on the date of the department’s receipt of the report of conviction, whichever occurs later.
6. Shall pay an additional assessment of one thousand dollars
7. Shall pay an additional assessment of one thousand dollars
At least 30 days in jail, hefty fines, possible community service, an interlock device on his car. A sentencing date has not been set just yet, but Khabibulin is going to jail.” {SBN}

I’m willing to bet the Oilers front office saw this ruling coming, and that’s why they picked up Martin Gerber. In retrospect, it definitely looks like an insurance move, in case this scenario played out with Khabibulin.