Free As A Byrd

Sen. Robert Byrd didn't have to use his legal smarts or rhetorical power in traffic court Monday. Pleading no contest, the West Virginia Democrat got a suspended $50 fine for rear-ending another vehicle May 7 in a case dispensed within about a minute.

Fairfax County police had tried to give him the limited immunity a member of Congress enjoys under the Constitution. But days after the accident, Byrd waived that privilege, deciding "he wanted his day in court," said police spokeswoman Katie Hughes.

Byrd's leased car was totaled in the accident and lesser damage was done to the vehicle he hit, but apparently no one was hurt.

Byrd, 81, was called quickly in the crowded courtroom, right after the case of a woman whose lawyer had died just before the hearing.

"Your honor, I plead no contest," said Byrd, a former Senate majority leader.

Judge Robert J. Smith levied the suspended fine, which he said was common when defendants in such cases don't challenge the charge or require witnesses to be subpoenaed.

Indeed, a parade of people brought up on minor traffic offenses after Byrd were given suspended or light fines for pleading guilty or no contest. Byrd refused to comment on the case afterward.

"It doesn't seem he got special treatment except going to the head of the line," Winfield Vining said after being fined $25 for speeding.

Byrd, who was charged with failing to keep proper control of his car, paid $30 in court costs.