After he stole a Ford Excursion and drove it with a .15 blood alcohol content — almost twice the legal limit — John McGee was charged with felony grand theft and faced the prospect of a hefty jail sentence. The Republican state senator from Idaho, who had been mentioned as a possible congressional or gubernatorial candidate, seemed to have reached the end of his political career.
Or maybe not. On Friday morning, McGee reached a plea agreement that saw the felony charged dropped, leaving him with just a misdemeanor DUI.
The reason? “Senator McGee did not intend to drive drunk, and he did not intend to steal anybody’s car,” said his lawyer. “I think there are medical explanations for what occurred that night.”
Late update: Here, via KTVB.com, are the details:
McGee’s defense attorney said the senator was celebrating with friends after a day of golf when he fell. He injured his knee, hip, and suffered a concussion, which impaired his judgment. […]
McGee is ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, with $250 of that suspended. His driver’s license will be suspended for 180 days, but he can apply for restricted privileges after 30 days.
The senator paid restitution on the damages of the truck and has written a letter of apology.
