No matter how stratified the economy may seem, with the 1 percenters on one end and the 99 percenters on the other, the great equalizer often times is the legal system. In Connecticut, as is often obvious through the stories that make into the news media, authorities take an equal opportunity approach in filing charges for such things as drunk driving.

Charges of driving under the influence (DUI) are possibly so common that it is easy to forget just how serious the consequences can be. It doesn't take a conviction to experience them. The stigma can begin the minute the allegation is made public, especially in this environment of instant social media. It's wise to call an attorney immediately when faced with such charges.

YES Network personality may be feeling the truth of these observations now. The 48-year-old host of pre- and post-game shows for the Yankees was arrested earlier this month on the streets of Westport and charged with DUI.

Authorities say a patrol officer came upon Robert Lorenz in the early morning hours of Feb. 8. They allege that he was slumped over the steering wheel of a vehicle at one of the city's intersections. The car's engine was running and the car was in gear. An official statement says officers then observed Lorenz apparently waken and begin to accelerate. On commands to stop, he did.

The report says Lorenz was arrested after failing field sobriety tests. He was arraigned later the morning of the 8th. He's due to return to Norwalk Superior Court on Feb. 29.

In addition to his work for the Yankees, Lorenz's YES Network bio notes that he is a primary studio anchor and host of pre- and post-game shows for the New Jersey Nets. He also hosts the "Yankees Baseball Daily," "Yankees Hot Stove" and "Forbes SportsMoney" shows. His information also lists a deep involvement with the Connecticut chapter of Make-A-Wish.

Source: WestportNow.com, "Police Arrest YES Network's Lorenz on DUI Charge," Feb. 8, 2012