California State Sen. Ben Hueso Offered Plea Deal For Alleged DUI With No Jail Time

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - A state senator charged with drunken driving is being offered the chance to plead guilty to a lesser offense.

Sacramento County Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Grippi says Thursday that Sen. Ben Hueso could avoid any jail time and pay lower fines if he pleads guilty to the lesser offense of alcohol-related reckless driving.

Hueso was arraigned Thursday on charges of driving under the influence and driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent. He was charged last month with driving under the influence of alcohol following a party at the state Capitol.

Hueso's attorney, Margaret Ann Virga, declined comment.

The San Diego Democrat would have to accept the offer at his next court appearance on Nov. 6, two days after voters decide whether to re-elect him.