Chicago DUI lawyer comments on the hot water a politician is in for a DUI

This Chicago DUI lawyer is a bit surprised by the DUI scandal rollicking state politics in Utah. She’s posted here about recent DUI arrests in Utah. The reason DUI’s in Utah are particularly interesting and disturbing to folks in Utah is because of the prohibition on alcohol consumption by members of the Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS). Former State House Majority Leader Kevin Garn has more skeletons falling out of the closet. Looks like all of the politicians being charged with DUI’s in Utah also are active members of LDS.

March 22, Salt Lake City, UT

Former House Majority Leader Kevin Garn was cited for driving under the influence in 2006, as he was attempting to return to politics and later pleaded guilty to a reduced charge.

Salt Lake City Chief Prosecutor Sim Gill said Salt Lake City police received a call in May 2006 reporting a person passed out in a car at a downtown hotel.

"They could smell the odor of alcohol. Based on that, they decided to do a DUI investigation. They did a field sobriety test," Gill said. "Based on their observation, they reached the conclusion that they thought the person was impaired. They decided to arrest him for DUI."

Garn initially pleaded not guilty and was scheduled to go to trial Dec. 20, 2006, but changed his plea that day and pleaded guilty to alcohol-related reckless driving. The plea was entered about six weeks after he was elected to the Utah Legislature for a second time. He previously had served from 1991-2002.

Garn was an LDS bishop at a Weber State ward for married students at the time of the incident, according to a knowledgeable source speaking on condition of anonymity.

Some may think that Garn received special privileges because he was a VIP, but now there’s a lot of talk about the vetting process for politicians. Somehow, I don’t think this DUI will change anything for most politicians.