Sen. Zeb Little pleads guilty to DUI
State Senate Majority Leader Zeb Little pleaded guilty today to driving under the influence of liquor and having an open liquor container in his pickup truck.
The 40-year-old Democrat from Cullman admitted his guilt in Jefferson County District Court as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors. District Judge Sheldon Watkins fined him $625, gave him a suspended 30-day sentence, and ordered him to attend driving classes. Little will also lose his driver’s license for 90 days.
The judge dismissed charges of failing to yield for an emergency vehicle and having an expired driver’s license.
I have to say, I hate the word “pleaded.” What ever happened to saying “pled?”
I’ll give Little credit – he did the right thing. I’m sure many a politician would have tried to use their influence to get the charges dismissed or at least reduced. Or he could have fought in court despite all indications that he was guilty. Kudos for manning up and taking responsibility. Little is going through what I imagine is an extremely trying ordeal and it is good to see him respond with what appears to be heartfelt contrition.
It was interesting to see him either abstain from or simply vote against alcohol legislation after his arrest. Obviously he is sensitivie to the political ramifications of such votes given his actions. Regardless of his future political decisions (and I think he would be a sitting duck in a reelection bid) I do hope he is able to pull things back together in his life.
I will have to give him credit for manning up. I hope he gets some help for his drinking problem.