Denver County, Colorado court judge Johnny Barajas is facing a difficult situation. The judge once responsible for handing down rulings on drunk driving cases has himself been charged with DUI.
On Thursday evening Barajas rear-ended a pick-up truck that was turning right at a central Denver intersection. Fortunately no one was seriously injured though Barajas understood the ramifications of his action and notified his superiors.
Barajas is going to take time off away from the bench and he intends to seek long-term alcohol counseling. He fully expects to be treated as others arrested for Colorado DUI, including possibly losing his driver’s license and being subject to random alcohol testing. “I am ready to accept the consequences for my very, very poor and irresponsible choices,” he said.
A judicial disciplinary commission will review the Barajas incident. Its findings and possible sanctions could have a dramatic effect on Barajas future as a judge.
