BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — State Senate Majority Leader Zeb Little pleaded guilty Monday to driving under the influence of liquor and having an open liquor container in his pickup truck.
The 40-year-old Democrat from Cullman admitted his guilt in Jefferson County District Court as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors. District Judge Sheldon Watkins fined him $625, gave him a suspended 30-day sentence, and ordered him to attend driving classes. Little will also lose his driver’s license for 90 days.
The judge dismissed charges of failing to yield for an emergency vehicle and having an expired driver’s license.
He stood before the judge with his attorney, former state Criminal Appeals Court Judge Bill Bowen. The judge did not lecture Little or discuss the dangers of drunken driving.
Little was arrested April 3 in Jefferson County after striking another vehicle on Interstate 65. After his arrest, he said he would accept responsibility for his actions.
“I’ve done that today,” he said as he left the courthouse.
Little said he is also taking steps to make sure this doesn’t happen again, but he would not elaborate.
Little sat in a crowded courtroom Monday morning with others appearing before the judge on driving offenses.
“I did not ask for any special treatment and did not receive any special treatment,” Little said.
Asked if he plans to run for a fourth Senate term next year, he said, “We’ll address those questions in due course.”
