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San Jose Councilman Pleads Guilty To DUI

SAN JOSE (CBS/AP) - San Jose City Councilman Ash Kalra has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drunken driving charge, his attorney said Thursday.

Attorney Eric Geffon entered the plea on Kalra's behalf on June 9.

Kalra was arrested early the morning of May 7 after a California Highway Patrol officer pulled him over on Market Street, south of San Fernando Street.

The officer had noticed a nonworking taillight on Kalra's gold Toyota Prius, but when he stopped him, the officer detected an odor of alcohol, according to the CHP.

Kalra was asked to perform field sobriety tests, and the tests indicated he was intoxicated, CHP officials said. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI and booked into Santa Clara County Jail, and was later released.

Kalra admitted to drinking with friends before getting behind the wheel of his car.

"He said from the beginning he wanted to take responsibility for this and I think to the very end, he has proved he's just not saying those words but living them," Geffon said.

This was Kalra's first alcohol-related incident, Geffon said.

As part of his sentence, Kalra faces three years of probation, a fine of approximately $1,900, a three-month DUI class, and five days of community service.

(Copyright 2011 by CBSSan Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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