The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
The manager of the Chicago White Sox was facing charges for DUI, but he agreed to plead guilty to a deal for a lesser charge.
Tony La Russa is the current manager of the Chicago White Sox Major League Baseball team. La Russa was also the former manager for the team between 1979 and 1986, and he was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
76-year-old La Russa was in Arizona in February, and he was arrested and accused of two counts of class 1 misdemeanor driving under the influence of intoxicants.
According to the initial police report, as he was being taken into custody, La Russa reportedly said he had a glass of wine with dinner. Afterward, he allegedly tried to show the officer his ring while he mentioned that he was in the hall of fame.
On December 9, La Russa had a hearing regarding the charges, and his attorney submitted a plea agreement stating that his client would plead guilty to a reduced charge of class 2 misdemeanor reckless driving, in place of the two DUI charges.
A hearing by telephone is on the court calendar for December 21, and the judge is expected to rule on the plea.
La Russa must submit all necessary paperwork to the Maricopa County Justice Courts, in addition to fingerprints to the court before the hearing.
If the Kyrene Justice Court judge rules in favor of the plea, La Russa, who had a prior DUI conviction in Florida in 2007, will be expected to pay a fine, court and jail fees, and complete 20 hours of community service. He will additionally be ordered to spend one day in custody. His jail time may be served as home detention or work release if he meets the qualifications and if the judge grants it.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.