The lawyer to former basketball player Charles Barkley says his firm has begun an "independent investigation into the facts" of Barkley's drunk driving charges.

"Mr. Barkley, who has no prior DUI convictions, believes wholeheartedly in the court system and is cooperating fully with the court's process," says attorney Scott Maasen.

"Mr. Barkley wishes to thank family, friends and his ardent fans for their tremendous outpouring of support during this difficult time."

Barkley was arrested in Scottsdale, AZ last month after he allegedly failed to stop his 2005 Infiniti at a stop sign. The police officer who stopped him allegedly smelled "intoxicating liquor," and then administered field sobriety tests. Police told ET that the officer established probable cause and arrested Barkley for driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor -- a misdemeanor.

Barkley's car was towed and he was taken to a police station, where a blood test was administered, and he was cited and released.