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Missoula Councilwoman Pleads Guilty to DUI Per Se

By Beacon Staff

MISSOULA – A Missoula city councilwoman pleaded guilty Monday to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence per se, but she said she would continue to serve on the council.

Pam Walzer, 54, was given a six-month suspended jail sentence, a $400 fine and a $101 surcharge. She also must complete the mandatory treatment program and will receive a provisional driver’s license during her sentence.

Walzer was pulled over at about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday for failing to signal a right turn and then turning into the far lane. A blood test showed her blood-alcohol content was 0.08 percent.

She said during a council meeting Monday she does not believe her “lapse in judgment” affects her ability to serve.

The DUI per se plea means Walzer acknowledges driving with a BAC of 0.08 or higher — which is against the law — but does not admit driving while intoxicated.

According to the council Web site, Walzer is a member of the council’s Public Safety & Health Committee. The committee is holding a hearing March 22 to consider a proposed ordinance that would allow the city to fine suspected drunken drivers for refusing a breathalyzer or blood-alcohol test.