In a recent arraignment, a judge in East Hampton Town Justice Court expressed strong disapproval of a luxury home designer's reckless behavior during a drunken driving incident on Christmas Day. The court warned the individual that any further misconduct would result in severe consequences. Edward Yedid, co-founder of Grade New York, faced legal action after a traffic accident involving alcohol consumption. His lawyer entered a not guilty plea, and the judge emphasized the gravity of the situation, particularly noting Yedid’s history with drunk driving.

Strict Measures Imposed Following DUI Incident

The court took decisive action against Yedid, suspending his driver's license for one year due to his refusal to take a breathalyzer test. Judge David Filer sternly warned Yedid that any future incidents could lead to immediate arrest and potential jail time. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offense, especially given the prior reports of erratic driving before the crash occurred. This case highlighted the need for strict monitoring of individuals with a history of similar offenses.

Yedid allegedly admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the day when questioned by law enforcement. According to police records, he mentioned having had "two tequila vodkas hours ago." The judge found this admission, along with the nature of the accident, particularly concerning. Cops noted Yedid's poor performance on field sobriety tests and his reluctance to cooperate fully. Given these factors, the court was vigilant about ensuring Yedid understood the severity of his actions and the potential repercussions.

Rehabilitation Commitment and Conditional Release

Edward Burke Jr., Yedid's attorney, argued for leniency based on Yedid's commitment to rehabilitation. Burke presented evidence that Yedid had enrolled in a 90-day rehab program at the Dunes in East Hampton and was actively participating in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The judge acknowledged these efforts but remained cautious, warning that conditional release terms could be imposed if Yedid's behavior warranted it. This arrangement aimed to balance leniency with stringent oversight to prevent future incidents.

The crash involved Yedid's Porsche colliding with a BMW SUV carrying a family of three. Fortunately, no one sustained serious injuries, but the incident disrupted their holiday plans. One of the passengers described Yedid as wearing designer clothes and appearing visibly intoxicated. The family spent the rest of the day at the emergency room ensuring they were unharmed. Burke stressed Yedid's understanding of the situation's severity and his dedication to reforming his behavior. While the judge agreed to forego conditional release initially, he made it clear that such measures could be reinstated at any moment if necessary.