California State Senator Ben Hueso recently voted for tougher regulations on ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. But he could have saved himself a lot of trouble if he'd called for a ride instead of deciding to drive home recently. Hueso was arrested in the early morning hours for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has now released the dash cam footage of the event.

The Democrat from California's 40th district, representing parts of San Diego, was observed by the CHP driving the wrong way on a one-way street in Sacramento. Hueso did a U-turn, but was quickly pulled over by the CHP officer, stopping at a gas station.  After being stopped, Hueso was asked to do field sobriety tests, including the walk and turn test.

The officer then asked Hueso to do a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) breath test. Hueso responded, “But I'm also a politician, and I work with politicians that have been through this process, that have not been given a fair process.” Hueso continued, “whether you decide tonight, you know what, I'm under the influence or not, I have seen some of my colleagues be dragged out to a really horrible legal process.”

Hueso admitted to making a wrong turn, saying he wasn't familiar with “this town.” After refusing the PAS test, Hueso was arrested on suspicion of a DUI. According to the CHP, his blood alcohol content (BAC) was reported to be 0.08 percent.

As part of a plea deal, Hueso eventually pleaded guilty to a “wet reckless” charge, resulting in three years probation, a $1,100 fine, and six weeks of a reckless driving program. After his release, Hueso issued a public statement addressing the incident. “I am truly and profoundly sorry for the unacceptably poor personal judgment which I demonstrated.”

The ride-sharing company Uber, in partnership with MADD, released a report drawing a link between the increase in transportation options like Uber and the decrease in DUIs. Perhaps Hueso was not such a fan of using Uber because his brothers, Alfredo and Jose, own a taxi company, USA Cab. Unfortunately for the senator, his brothers' taxi company is San Diego-based, and they weren't able to give him a ride in Sacramento.

At the Gorelick Law Offices, attorney Lynn Gorelick has dedicated her legal career to defending people charged with driving under the influence in the East Bay. Lynn Gorelick has over 30 years of DUI experience, and understands the harsh penalties involved. For politicians and anyone else arrested for a DUI in the East Bay, you have a chance to keep the conviction off your record, and keep your driving privileges. You do not have to plead guilty just because you were arrested. Contact a local East Bay DUI defense attorney who understands local DUI laws, and will make sure you get the justice you deserve.