In March 12 Issue
By Greg Wells
Times Journal Managing Editor

“I deeply regret that this incident occurred.  I made a mistake for which I am truly sorry," said Commonwealth's Attorney Matthew Leveridge. "This has been a very humbling experience. I offer no excuses and I have accepted the consequences of my actions and have accepted the same punishment other people receive."

The experience he refers to was viewing the legal system from the other side last Friday night; as he was arrested for driving under the influence and having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.

Leveridge said Monday that he had gone first-thing that morning to the courthouse and entered a guilty plea in the case.

He said the punishment was that customarily handed out in first-time DUI cases in that county, a $200 fine, plus court costs and his license was suspended.

"I recognize that my personal actions may have affected the trust placed in me.  I want to assure the people I serve that an incident such as this will never again take place," Leveridge said in a prepared statement Tuesday. "I am honored to serve as your Commonwealth's Attorney and I will work to move forward and put this behind me."

According to the police report in the case, the arresting officer said he saw Leveridge consuming an alcoholic beverage, and pulled him over because of it.

The report lists .116 as Leveridge's blood alcohol content, as calculated by a breathalyzer device.