Faced with misdemeanor DUI charges stemming from an accident in June, a West Covina councilman pleads not guilty.
50-year-old Michael Herman Spence did not appear in court, opting to have his attorney enter his plea last Thursday, October 20th. Councilman Spence is charged with a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of a drug.
First elected to the West Covina City Council in 2013, Spence allegedly struck a pole with his car on June 12. The accident happened near Azusa Avenue and Cypress Street in Covina. Spence, who is a Republican, ran for the 55th State Assembly District this year. He placed third in the primary.
Spence is scheduled to return to court on December 7th for a pretrial hearing.
If convicted, Spence faces the possibility of a maximum sentence of six months in jail.
Previously, Spence admitted to alcoholism and the use of methamphetamine and cocaine. He also said that he has attended 12-step programs such as Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous.
In the June accident, Spence crashed a rented Hyundai Accent into a utility pole. Police determined that Spence has been driving while under the influence of methamphetamine. A toxicology report indicated that there was no alcohol in his system at the time of the accident.
Spence has a previous DUI conviction from 1998. Under California law, a DUI that occurred more than ten years prior is not taken into account for current charges.
If you have been charged with DUI, you will need legal representation. Our attorneys are all experienced in the defense of DUI charges. Contact us today.
