After DUI Arrest, NM Lawmaker Sorry For 'Lapse In Judgment'

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — A New Mexico state lawmaker from Albuquerque apologized late Monday for what she called a "lapse in judgement" following her arrest on suspicion of aggravated DWI and other charges, according to a report.

State Rep. Georgene Louis was booked into the Santa Fe County jail Monday morning and released that afternoon, online court records showed. She was booked on suspicion of aggravated DWI and other charges, media outlets reported.

She apologized late Monday in a statement through her attorney, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican

“I am sorry and I deeply regret my lapse in judgment,” Louis said. “I know I let so many people down. I am accepting responsibility for my mistake. I am prioritizing my health, and I will work hard to regain the trust of my constituents, my community and my family.”

The arrest came after she was pulled over Sunday evening for speeding, the Albuquerque Journal reported. Her car was clocked at 17 miles over the speed limit on St. Francis Drive, according to a criminal complaint obtained by the newspaper. Police said the lawmaker imbibed two to three vodka drinks and her eyes were watery and bloodshot. Her vehicle also smelled like booze, the officer said.

Her blood-alcohol content showed her blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit.

First elected in 2013, Louis represents District 26, which covers southwestern part of the city. She chairs the House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs committee, and is a member of the House Judiciary and House Rules and Order of Business committee.

The Republican Party of New Mexico called for Louis' resignation on Monday.

"The Republican Party of New Mexico is calling on Rep. Georgene Louis (D-Albuquerque) to resign from her District 26 NM House seat after she was arrested and charged today with aggravated drunken driving," the GOP wrote in a Facebook post.

"Rep. Louis also faces charges of speeding and failing to produce vehicle registration and insurance."

Steve Pearce, the party chairman, said Louis "should do the right thing and resign from her House seat."

"She faces criminal charges, and this kind of behavior does not coincide with that of a responsible public servant," he said in a statement. "Rep. Louis has violated the public trust, let down her constituents and endangered the lives of innocents. New Mexico deserves better. Aggravated drunken driving is a serious offense, and Rep. Louis must step down."