NY Congressman Sentenced to Jail for Virginia DUI

Rep. Fossella arrested for drunk driving in Alexandria, VA last May.

United States Representative Vito Fossella was sentenced to five days in jail for a conviction of driving under the influence in Virginia. The 43-year old congressman was arrested in May for suspicion of drunk driving and was found guilty of that offense in October.

During the sentencing hearing Fossella said he had made a mistake but argued that his blood alcohol content could not have been as high as the recorded .17%. Under Virginia DUI laws, jail is mandatory when the BAC at the time of arrest is above .15%. Fossella’s DUI defense attorney claimed the breath testing equipment must have had a ‘software glitch’.

Fossella is the lone Republican representative from the New York City area. His political career unraveled following is May 1 arrest. In addition to the VA drunk driving charge, it was revealed that he had fathered a child in an extramarital affair. The series of revelations led Fossella to say that he would not seek re-election. His current term expires next January.

Fossella and his attorney indicated that the recent sentencing hearing was just the first step in a lengthy process. An appeal was filed immediately after the judge meted out judgment.

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