Wisconsin State Assembly Representative Charged With Third DUI

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January 14, 2009

On January 13, 2009 Wisconsin State Representative Jeffrey Wood, I-Bloomer, was formally charged with his third DUI offense and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, following a drunk driving arrest on December 12, 2008. He is due in Columbia County Circuit Court on February 4, 2009.[1]

Contents

[edit] Arrest

The 39-year old Wood had been driving on Interstate 90, when, according to an eye witness' report, his car smashed into a signpost and snowbank.[2] He continued driving, but was eventually arrested by a Wisconsin State trooper who found Wood drunk and urinating at the side of the road. A blood alcohol test revealed a level of almost double the legal limit, at 0.15.[3] A search of Wood's car also uncovered a small amount of marijuana and a pipe.[4]

[edit] Possible Sentence

If convicted, Wood faces between 30 days and one year in prison, and losing his license for up to three years. He might also be required to use an ignition interlock device in his car for up to one year, once his license is reinstated. Wood could also face up to another 6 months of jail time for possession of marijuana, and up to 30 days for possession of drug paraphernalia. [5]

[edit] Background

Wood had been previously convicted of drunk driving in 1990 and 1991, for which he received a license suspension of eight months and license revocation of 18 months, respectively.[6]

He was first elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2002 as a Republican, but later quit the party stating that it had "strayed from its mission of limited government and lower taxes."[7] He represents the 67th District, and is currently the only Independent in the State Assembly.

Last year, the Assembly had elected Wood as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, despite his documented previous convictions.[8]

[edit] Apologies, But No Resignation

After the arrest, Wood apologized for the arrest, saying that he had "exercised very poor judgment."[9] He subsequently resigned from his committee chairman position, but has so far rejected calls for his resignation from the State Assembly.

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ↑ Associated Press, Wis. lawmaker hit with 3rd drunken driving charge, January 13, 2009
  2. ↑ River Falls Journal, Lawmaker charged with third OWI, January 14, 2009
  3. ↑ Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, Rep. Wood charged with 3rd offense OWI, January 13, 2009
  4. ↑ The Janesville Gazette, Wis. lawmaker charged with 3rd OWI, drug offense, January 14, 2009
  5. ↑ The Janesville Gazette, Wis. lawmaker charged with 3rd OWI, drug offense, January 14, 2009
  6. ↑ Associated Press, Wis. lawmaker hit with 3rd drunken driving charge, January 13, 2009
  7. ↑ River Falls Journal, Lawmaker charged with third DUI, January 14, 2009
  8. ↑ Judicial Watch Blog, Lawmaker Charged With Third DUI, January 15, 2009
  9. ↑ Wisconsin Policy Research Institute Blog, A Night in the Life of Jeff Wood, December 15, 2008
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