TN Secretary Of State Issues “Best Interest” Plea On DUI Charge
Image Credit: Tennessee Secretary of State / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Jason Vaughn] –
Tennessee’s Secretary of State, Tre Hargett, was arrested on the evening of June 17th for allegedly driving under the influence after leaving the Bonnaroo Music Festival held in Manchester, Tennessee. Hargett has now entered a “best interest” plea for the DUI charge brought against him.
According to jail records, Hargett was booked into Coffee County Jail a bit after midnight on June 18th and released after six hours on a $2,000 bail.
Following the Secretary of State’s office released this statement, concerning his arrest:
“On Friday night after leaving the Bonnaroo Music Festival, I was stopped by the Tullahoma Police Department and subsequently arrested for DUI. Driving Under the Influence is a serious matter, and I regret the circumstances that led to my arrest. I respect law enforcement and will trust the legal process as we move forward,” Hargett said.
Hargett was originally scheduled to appear in court on July 14th, 2022.
Last Thursday, Hargett entered a “best interest” plea, that District Attorney General Craig Northcott describes as a plea of guilt acknowledging the facts are sufficient but not admitting guilt.
The DUI charge against Hargett is a Class A misdemeanor. Hargett’s sentence involved 48 hours in jail that he has already served and almost a year of probation. Fines are also associated and the statute does allow for his license to be suspended for a year.
Following news breaking of Hargett’s DUI Arrest, some elected officials acknowledged that Hargett made a mistake but made no moves to discuss or consider demanding his resignation.
Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-District 5-Oak Ridge) said, “Getting behind the wheel while intoxicated is a serious offense and one that demands punishment. My understanding is that this occurred in his off hours. Knowing Tre, I feel he will learn from this mistake and accept whatever punishment is handed down. I am not encouraging him to resign at this time.”
At the time, Governor Bill Lee said he knew no details of the incident and said that Hargett’s arrest was “unfortunate” but noted he was “regretful and remorseful.”
Numerous lawmakers have been charged with DUI over the years, including Democrats and Republicans. First-time offenders can face up to a year in jail, though 48 hours is more likely, a fine of $350 to $1,000, DUI school or attendance of a victim impact panel and use of an ignition interlock device.
About the Author: Jason Vaughn, Media Coordinator for The Tennessee Conservative ~ Jason previously worked for a legacy publishing company based in Crossville, TN in a variety of roles through his career. Most recently, he served as Deputy Director for their flagship publication. Prior, he was a freelance journalist writing articles that appeared in the Herald Citizen, the Crossville Chronicle and The Oracle among others. He graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s in English-Journalism, with minors in Broadcast Journalism and History. Contact Jason at news@TennesseeConservativeNews.com
Good report, thanks for the follow up on this matter. Political leaders, appointees and state employees should be accountable to the people for their actions and for the most part, the only way we get that accountability is for good journalist like you to write the stories, lest we allow it to be swept under the rug. Fortunately, Tre is a good guy and is at least feeling remorse, but maybe this will encourage him to stop drinking all together….abstinence works every time its tried.
The DUI laws are a gotcha situation in this state waiting to ensnare the vast majority with any semblance of a social life brought on by emotionally distressed people whose loved ones were killed or maimed by individuals who falling down drunks. The definition of impairment should be liberalized so that individuals of average size aren’t criminalized for having a few drinks at a social event.
I don’t care if one has one drink or twenty you are still impaired to a certain extent. The laws should be much harsher which might save lives due to these social drinkers and party goers. Driving drunk is the same as premediated murder! You know your going to get drunk and just a matter of time when you will crash and kill a innocent person.