Politics & Government

Lake Forest Councilman's DUI Arraignment Thursday

Councilman Peter Herzog is accused of driving with a blood-alcohol level twice the legal limit.

He's accused of testing over twice the legal limit for alcohol two hours after he was spotted driving on the wrong side of the road and hitting a curb. On Thursday, Lake Forest City Councilman Peter Herzog, 57, is scheduled to be arraigned for driving under the influence of alcohol at Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach.

Herzog has served on the council for 19 years, and served as mayor six times.

Here's more from the Orange County District Attorney's office:

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At approximately 8:15 p.m. on Nov. 17, 2012, Herzog is accused of making a left turn from Portola Parkway onto Lake Forest Drive and driving on the wrong side of the road. The defendant is accused of driving over the center median to get back on to the westbound lanes. Herzog is then accused of making a wide left turn from Lake Forest Drive on to Regency Lane and hitting the right side of the curb. The defendant is accused of crossing into the opposing lane of traffic swerving back and forth across lanes until he arrived at his home.

Motorists reported the driving to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, who investigated this case, and arrested the defendant at his home. The defendant is accused of displaying objective signs of intoxication including bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech, strong odor of alcohol, and unsteady balance. At approximately 10:30 p.m., the defendant is accused of having a blood alcohol content of .18 percent.

Find out what's happening in Lake Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Deputy District Attorney Joe Koller is prosecuting this case.


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