The Associated Press has reported that a State Representative, who sponsored a bill allowing those with permits to carry handguns to be able to bring their weapons into liquor-serving establishments, has pleaded guilty to DUI and gun charges.
State Rep Curry Todd, the Collierville Republican, was pulled over for DUI in October of 2011. After failing a roadside sobriety test officers found a loaded .38 caliber handgun between his seat and the car's middle console.
Todd told reporters that he has made no plans to resign and further explained, "I've always found that we're molded and shaped by experiences in life, both good and bad. And it's my intention to use this experience over the last 15 months to become a more knowledgeable and effective representative of the people of this state."
Todd has been ordered to pay a fine of $350, have an alcohol monitoring device installed in his vehicle, serve 24 hours of community service, attend alcohol safety school and a victim impact panel. His jail time, set at 48 hours, was reduced by the eight he had already spent in custody.
In regards to the weapons charge, Todd must serve a one-year probation – during which time he will not be allowed to carry a gun. After successfully completing the probationary period Todd can petition the court to have the charge expunged and for the return of his firearm.
According to police, Todd was speeding 20 miles over the limit while driving a GMC Envoy through a neighborhood near Vanderbilt University. He was seen weaving and crossing over double yellow lines.
Todd, 65, admitted to police that he had drank two alcoholic beverages, and then proceeded to fail the roadside sobriety test. Todd refused breath alcohol testing.
Todd claims that he failed the field sobriety test due to a mixture of prescription drugs and alcohol – that he consumed over many hours. Todd told the court, "I clearly recognize that I made that mistake. I cannot change the past."
Worrick Robinson, Todd's attorney, said, "That's a choice he made on that day at that time, and that's the choice he is living with."
A stipulation of Todd's plea agreement allowed for the violation of the state's implied consent law to be dropped.
After leaving the courthouse Todd told reporters that he was now a changed man after having the experience. Todd said, "While I cannot change the past, I can assure you I'm greatly humbled. I spent many years in law enforcement in this state. But this year I found myself painfully on the other side."
Todd is known for being both aggressive and combative in the Legislature and was previously employed as a police officer by the city of Memphis. He has since resigned his position of chairman of the House State and Local Government Committee.
Only seek out and contact a DUI attorney for defending charges of DUI, DWI, OUI or OWI.