Hagarty pleads guilty to reduced charge in DUI case [Yakima Herald-Republic (WA)]

By DAVID LESTER

YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC

A judge told Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney James Hagarty on Monday that Hagarty had an opportunity to help others avoid what happened to him -- being cited for drunken driving.

The 61-year-old prosecutor pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of reckless driving Monday during a hearing in Yakima County District Court.

After sentencing Hagarty to a fine, fees, probation and a 30-day driver's license suspension -- but no jail time -- visiting Kittitas County Judge James Hurson urged Hagarty to tell his story to as many people as possible.

"You are in a unique position. You can help a lot of people not be in the same position you have been," Hurson told Hagarty during a brief sentencing hearing. "I would ask you to turn this into something good so you can help people not get into this."

Hagarty responded he would.

His attorney, Greg Scott, said after the hearing that a plea agreement to the lesser charge is standard in cases involving a first offense. He emphasized Hagarty received no special treatment.

Hurson, the presiding judge for the Lower Kittitas County District Court, said much the same thing as the hearing wrapped up.

Hurson, who heard the case after Yakima County judges recused themselves, suggested but didn't order Hagarty to tell his story to friends, fellow county employees, other county prosecutors, service clubs and other groups.

Kittitas County Deputy Prosecutor Brent Bottoms handled the prosecution.

The sentence included suspension of all 364 days in jail for reckless driving, a $500 fine, $320 in fees, one year of probation, loss of driving privileges for 30 days, and 24 hours of community service.

The Washington State Patrol arrested Hagarty and cited him for driving under the influence of intoxicants following a minor traffic accident in Selah on the evening of Nov. 15.

Hagarty, who lives in Selah, rear-ended the vehicle of a motorist who had slowed for a vehicle that was turning off South First Street.

No serious injuries were reported. Damage to the other vehicle is being handled through Hagarty's auto insurance carrier, Scott said during the hearing.

Troopers described Hagarty as cooperative but intoxicated. He was cited at the Yakima County jail and released to Scott after providing breath-test samples of 0.106 and 0.109, slightly over the legal limit of 0.08 percent, according to arrest records.

A conviction for driving under the influence at the level for which Hagarty was cited carries a sentence of at least one day in jail, fines of at least $865 and a 90-day license suspension.

Hagarty did not comment after the hearing ended and did not return a later phone call to his office.