Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Queens

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.

sabini04.jpgThe 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.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Why Sustainable Transportation Advocates Need to Talk About Long COVID

Covid-19 transformed many U.S. cities' approach to sustainable transportation forever. But how did it transform the lives of sustainable transportation advocates who developed lasting symptoms from the disease?

September 24, 2023

Analysis: ‘Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program’ is a Failure By All Measures

The Department of Transportation wants the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program to simply expire in part because it did not dramatically improve safety among these worst-of-the-worst drivers and led to a tiny number of vehicle seizures.

September 22, 2023

School Bus Driver Kills Cyclist in Boro Park, 24th Bike Death of 2023

Luis Perez-Ramirez, 44, was biking south on Fort Hamilton Parkway just before 3:15 p.m. when he was struck a by school bus driver making a right turn.

September 22, 2023

‘Betrayal’: Adams Caves to Opposition, Abandons Bus Improvement Plan on Fordham Road

The capitulation on Fordham Road is the latest episode in which the mayor has delayed or watered down a transportation project in deference to powerful interests.

September 22, 2023

Friday’s Headlines: Yes He Said Yes He Will Yes Edition

That headline above is a reference to the last line of James Joyce's Ulysses, which we won't pretend to have read. But we have that ... and other news.

September 22, 2023
See all posts