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Lysa Clifton, former Michael Drejka defense attorney, accused of drunk driving

The former attorney of accused Clearwater convenience store shooter Michael Drejka allegedly crashed her car on Bayshore Boulevard.
Credit: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Lysa Clifton

TAMPA, Fla. -- Lysa Clifton, the attorney removed from defending accused Clearwater convenience store shooter Michael Drejka, is accused of driving drunk.

A witness noticed a car swerving while heading south just after 9 p.m. Sunday on Bayshore Boulevard near South Newport Avenue, according to a police report.

The vehicle reportedly hit the right curb, swerved across the lanes and onto the median, only to come to a stop when its front end became damaged and the car stuck. A responding Tampa police officer identified 31-year-old Clifton as its driver, the report says.

The officer noted an odor of alcohol, writing Clifton's speech was slurred, and she was slow to respond. Clifton reportedly told the officer she had been at a bar watching a friend DJ.

She declined to perform field sobriety tests and was charged with driving under the influence.

Clifton was removed as one of Drejka's three defense attorneys on Oct. 18. Drejka in an affidavit said he received "an unsolicited personal visit by Clifton" after his first appearance in court on Aug. 14. It was during that time Clifton allegedly asked him if he wanted her to become his attorney.

Drejka agreed but said he didn't know that solicitation of a client could be a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct. The Florida Bar has opened a solicitation investigation into her conduct.

Drejka is charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of Markeis McGlockton.

Timeline: How Markeis McGlockton's death ignited the 'stand your ground' debate yet again

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