LAKEPORT — Lakeport City Attorney Steven J. Brookes recently pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI) charge stemming from a February incident in which he reportedly fled the scene of a car crash.
Brookes, 54, had faced three misdemeanor charges because of the incident. A no contest plea to a single count of misdemeanor DUI with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or more was entered on Brookes” behalf during a July 25 hearing, according to court records.
A second DUI count and a misdemeanor charge of hit-and-run causing property damage were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Judge J. Michael Byrne accepted the plea and ordered Brookes to be placed on three years summary probation, complete 80 hours of work service and pay $1,844 in fines, fees and assessments.
Brookes must enroll in a DUI program and will be required to pay restitution as part of his sentence. The restitution amount will be determined during a hearing in late September.
Deputy district attorney Catherine Walker said the resolution was “very typical” compared to agreements reached in other cases involving a first-time DUI associated with a non-injury hit-and-run.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said in February that Brookes was under the influence of alcohol when the Volvo he was driving struck another vehicle in downtown Kelseyville the evening of Feb. 10.
The CHP reported Brookes fled the scene of the crash but was located, arrested and booked into the Lake County Jail later that night.
Brookes declined to comment on the resolution of his case when contacted by the Record-Bee Monday afternoon.
Lakeport City Manager Margaret Silveira declined to comment on Brookes” plea, saying she “can”t discuss personnel matters.” Silveira also could not confirm whether the city has taken disciplinary action against Brookes.
Brookes remains Lakeport”s city attorney, a half-time position, according to Silveira.
Contact Jeremy Walsh at jwalsh@record-bee.com or call him at 263-5636, ext. 37.
