A councilwoman, Pam Walzer, from Missoula, Montana was arrested for DUI late February. She pled guilty this month. The story is here.
Walzer was charged with misdemeanor DUI, her first offense, and was booked at the Missoula County Detention Facility shortly after 2 a.m. She posted bail, which was $500 and was released within the hour.
The local politician admitted to driving with a blood alcohol content greater than 0.08, above the legal limit, but did not admit to driving while intoxicated. She was given a six-month suspended jail sentence, a $400 fine and a $101 surcharge.
In her apology, she admitted to making "a human error in judgment." She went on to claim that her flawed judgment did not affect her ability to serve her constituent. She intends to remain on the City Council.
There are no facts in this story to suggest that Walzer is an alcoholic. Her alcohol related incident is just an episode of alcohol abuse. But lets remember people that alcohol abuse can be just as harmful as dependence on alcohol. Walzer drank too much, which effected her judgment, and she got behind the wheel of her car. Other problems, beside drunk driving arrests, associated with alcohol abuse include not being able to meet work, school, or family responsibilities.
Be careful out there
Link to Substance Abuse CLE
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