Queens State Senator Sabini Pleads to DWAI

11:22 AM EST on February 6, 2008

State Senator John Sabini, of Queens, has pleaded guilty to Driving While Ability Impaired following an arrest for DWI in Albany last September.

The Daily Politics ran this excerpt from Sabini's statement, released yesterday:

"Today, I entered a plea of guilty to driving while impaired, a traffic violation, accepting full personal responsibility for the events that led to my arrest in Albany. As a condition of my court agreement, I have paid a fine of $300 (plus court costs) as well as attend educational classes.
I take the matter against me very seriously, and am extremely grateful to have this settled. I would like to offer a sincere apology to my constituents, the Albany Court, and the many loyal friends, colleagues and family members for any burdens this may have caused.
As a legislator for sixteen years who has always strived to make the right choices, I have learned from this incident and will continue working hard to maintain the confidence and integrity of my role in the State Senate. I have always been proud and honored to serve my constituents, the State of New York and the great borough of Queens, and on their behalf will continue to support and talk about the issues that matter the most to them."

Sabini initially entered a not guilty plea last October.

According to the state DMV, a DWAI is defined as driving with a Blood Alcohol Content of between .05 and .07. A first offense is classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $300 to $500, up to 15 days in jail, and a 90-day license suspension.

Brad Aaron

Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York's dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.

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