Sen. Michael Crapo Pleads Guilty To DWI, Apologizes

Idaho Republican Senator Michael Crapo entered a plea of guilty this morning in relation to his DWI arrest from last month.

According to NBC News, Crapo will lose his license for one year. In addition to the DWI, Crapo was also being charged for failing to obey a traffic signal. That charge was dropped however in exchange for the guilty plea.

Crapo apologized for his mistake and said that he was thankful that no one was hurt in the incident. According to the Washington Post, Crapo said that public officials like himself “should be held to a higher standard” and that he took “full responsibility” for his actions.

Crapo said:

“As a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I have endeavored all my life to be an outstanding member …I will carry through on appropriate measures for forgiveness and repentance in my church … I am grateful, truly grateful, that no one was injured.”

Crapo said that he was drinking vodka tonics at his home on December 23 when he decided to go out for a drive. Crapo said that he realized he was in no condition to be driving about 30 minutes into his cruise and decided to head home. That’s when he ran the red light and was charged with a DWI.

Crapo said that it was the first, and last, time that he had ever driven while under the influence.

In addition to the 12-month suspension of his driver’s licence, Crapo was also fined $250 and will have to complete an alcohol safety program.