Suspended Broward Judge Pleads Guilty To DUI
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) -- A suspended Broward judge pleaded guilty to one charge of driving under the influence under a plea deal on Thursday.
Her attorneys wanted her to plead no contest but she plead guilty.
"I am going to plead guilty because I am guilty," said suspended Judge Gisele Pollack. "I'm guilty of driving under the influence. I'm guilty of letting myself down. I'm guilty of letting the community down."
Pollack who said she hadn't had a drink for 19 years relapsed December 17, 2013 under personal pressure and was drunk on the bench. Then it happened again on March 19th. The accident led to her suspension and forced her into rehab.
"I am sober. I am healthy and I'm committed to never ever, ever drink again," said Pollack.
Under the terms of her plea deal to the DUI charge, her license will be suspended for six months, six months of probation, 75 hours of community service, and she will have to wear an alcohol monitoring bracelet for 60 days.
Pollack has been suspended without pay since May after she was charged with driving under the influence after being involved in an automobile accident early morning on May 2nd.
READ: Broward Judge Seeks Pay During Alcohol-Related Suspension
Newly released Dashcam video showed Pollack interacting with police after the accident in Plantation. You hear Pollack pleading with officers to allow her to get a blood draw. Initially Pollack had asked to have her blood drawn and then when medics were called she refused.
Pollack: I just want to give my blood.
Officer: You did consent to blood but then you revoked that consent so now we're going to continue with the DUI investigation.
During the field sobriety test an unsteady Pollack is seen unable to walk a straight line.
Officer: Put your hands behind your back, you are under arrest for driving under the influence
Pollack: But I did everything right
Pollack: I told you I would give my blood and go home
After being cuffed and arrested, Pollack continues to plead with the officer to allow a blood draw, thinking it will avoid a trip to jail.
At one point the officer holds a large plastic cup in front of the camera. You see another officer placing bottle after bottle of liquor on the ground that was taken from her car.
READ: Broward Drug Court Judge Busted On DUI Charge
After being cuffed and arrested, Pollack continues to plead with the officer to allow a blood draw, thinking it will avoid a trip to jail.
Outside of court on Thursday one of her supporters, Broward Property Appraiser Lori Parrish said Pollack's case gives hope to people struggling with addiction.
"Alcoholism is something that touches all families. It's a disease."
Pollack's attorney Michael Catalano said she is committed to a life of sobriety.
"I've seen people relapse. Everyone is different. If she drinks again she won't be a judge," said Catalano.
In November, Pollack will face the Judicial Qualifications Commission who will decide if she can be re-instated as a judge.
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