Broncos' D.J. Williams could be subject to further suspension after conviction on lesser charge

It's unclear whether Denver Broncos LB D.J. Williams could face more league punishment after his DUI trial resulted in a conviction on lesser charges of driving while ability-impaired (DWAI) and driving without headlights on Nov. 12, 2010.

However, the Colorado statutory definition of DWAI involves the consumption of alcohol or drugs "that affects the person to the slightest degree so that the person is less able than the person ordinarily would have been, either mentally or physically, or both mentally and physically, to exercise clear judgment, sufficient physical control, or due care in the safe operation of a vehicle."

Given commissioner Roger Goodell's broad authority to mete out punishment even without a criminal conviction -- and the implication of alcohol or drug abuse that goes along with the statute's definition -- Williams could find himself the subject of further league discipline. He has a previous DUI conviction for a 2005 incident and faces a six-game suspension for violation of the league's substance-abuse policy involving performance-enhancing drugs.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told the Associated Press that Williams' conviction "will be reviewed under our policies" to see if further punishment can be dealt from the league.

According to Colorado law, Williams could face 10 days to one year in jail, a fine of $600 to $1,500 and 48 to 120 hours of public service as punishment. Those punishments are standard for someone with a previous DUI conviction. Williams' lawyer, Harvey Steinberg, successfully lobbied for a mistrial in an earlier. He again argued for a mistrial Wednesday, claiming that one of the prosecution's witnesses, a police officer, was prejudicial.

The Associated Press reported that the officer testified that sober people aren't taken to a detox facility, leading to Steinberg's request. But it was denied, and the case went to the jury, where it was quickly deliberated.

The Broncos have begun preparing for life without Williams during the first six games of the season, giving Wesley Woodyard the first-team snaps at weak-side LB. They also signed ex-Falcons and Cowboys linebacker Keith Brooking on Aug. 6. He can back up at middle and weak-side LB.

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