Councilman Herzog Sentenced for DUI

Update: The D.A.'s original press release incorrectly described Herzog's plea as "guilty." He actually pleaded "no contest."

Peter Herzog, a longtime fixture in Lake Forest city government and its six-time mayor, pleaded no contest this week to driving with a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit, according to the Orange County district attorney's office.

Herzog, 57, was sentenced to three years of informal probation, fines and participation in a three-month first offender alcohol program.

"It was a very common, standard first-offender deal," Herzog's attorney, Edward Stopyro, told City News Service. "It's pretty much what everyone gets for a first-offense DUI."

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According to prosecutors, at about 8:15 p.m. Nov. 17, Herzog attracted the attention of other motorists when he made a left turn from northbound Santa Margarita Parkway onto Lake Forest Drive and drove on the wrong side of the road, then drove over the center median to get into the westbound lanes. He then made a wide left turn from Lake Forest Drive onto Regency Lane and hit the right side of the curb, coincidentally next to a gas station owned by newly elected councilman Adam Nick. 

Herzog crossed into the opposing lane of traffic and swerved back and forth across lanes until he arrived at his home.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department investigated and arrested Herzog at his house, where he displayed "objective signs of intoxication, including bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech, a strong odor of alcohol, and unsteady balance."

At about 10:30 p.m., more than two hours after he was initially observed, Herzog had a blood alcohol content of 0.18 percent, the D.A. said.

On Tuesday, the council veteran pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or more.

Herzog issued a statement saying he was taking responsibility for his actions:

"When you make a mistake, as I have done, you face up to it, without excuses, do what is necessary to address it, and move on in a positive fashion. I would like to thank my friends, family and all the poeple who have sent me kind words of support these past months. I have done everything possible to make amends for my error and, in moving forward, I will strive to be a force for good in this community and will continue to provide the people of Lake Forest the same dedication and thoughtful representation as I have for the past 18 years. I hope many learn from my mistake and, to those I have disappointed, while I do not ask you to forgive me, I hope you can see how I have worked to take full responsibility and accountability for my actions."