By Andy Furillo
afurillo@sacbee.com
California state Sen. Roy Ashburn entered a no-contest plea to drunken driving charges today in Sacramento Superior Court and was immediately sentenced to two days in jail and three years probation.
Ashburn, who was not present for the brief plea and sentencing hearing in front of Judge Russell L. Hom, received credit for one day in custody and will serve the remaining day on the sheriff's work project.
The Republican from Bakersfield also was fined $480 and received additional fee assessments amounting to $2,000.
Deputy District Attorney Robert Clancey said that Ashburn "received no less than anybody else" for a first-time drunken driving conviction.
Prosecutors said Ashburn's blood alcohol content tested at .14, nearly double the legal limit of .08.
Under the terms of his probation, Hom ordered Ashburn not to drive a vehicle with any measurable amounts of alcohol in his system, to obey all laws, to not refuse a chemical test, to not drive unless validly licensed and to attend a first-time DUI program. Clancey said the program will likely be for 30 days.
Ashburn also faces a 30-day suspension of his driver's license, pending a Department of Motor Vehicles hearing. His license also will be restricted for six months after that, allowing him only to drive to and from work.
"It's a tough hit to take, but given the public safety considerations, it's appropriate," Clancey said.
Ashburn, 55, was pulled over March 4 in downtown Sacramento when a police officer noticed his car weaving on L Street near 13th street around 2 o'clock in the morning.
The senator later admitted that he had been at Faces, the popular midtown gay bar. Ashburn later acknowledged that he was gay, despite opposing gay rights measures over the course of his 14-year career in the Legislature.
Call The Bee's Andy Furillo, (916) 321-1141.
Previous coverage:
Sen. Roy Ashburn in firestorm over DUI arrest, sexual orientation - March 6, 2010
State senator arrested on DUI charge in Sacramento - March 4, 2010
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