Sweeney pleads guilty to downgraded DWI charge, faces 30 days

[Rhiannon12866]

BALLSTON SPA — John Sweeney pleaded guilty to misdemeanor driving while intoxicated in Saratoga County Court today and faces 30 days in Saratoga County Jail when sentenced on April 23.

Sweeney, 53, the former 20th district U.S. representative, was arrested on April 5, 2009 by state troopers. He was traveling 59 mph in a 40 mph zone on Route 9 in Clifton Park and was drunk, police said.

This is Sweeney’s second conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was originally charged with a felony for the 2009 arrest.

Sweeney’s lawyer, E. Stewart Jones, said he and his client were satisfied with the outcome of the case.

“We just wanted to avoid a felony and we were able to do that,” Jones said. Sweeney will keep his license to practice law.

In addition to jail time Sweeney will also be fined $1,000, be placed on probation for three years and have to perform 300 hours of community service which Jones said will likely be in the form of pro bono legal work.

http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2010/02/26/news/doc4b8849789f587279088044.txt