{Democrat} Justice of the Peace {Hector} Liendo Apologizes for DWI {in Laredo}

Laredo, TX, Morning Times ^ | 09-06-06 | Crow, Kirsten

[Theodore R.]

JP Liendo apologizes for DWI By KIRSTEN CROW, LAREDO MORNING TIMES 09/06/2006

Justiceof the Peace Hector Liendo said he doesn’t expect his weekend arrest to affect his job performance.“I apologize to my family and my constituents,” he said. “I would like the public to know that this will not affect my commitment to serving the community.”

Liendo was charged Saturday with driving while intoxicated, a Class B misdemeanor, and an open alcoholic container, a Class C misdemeanor.

Tela Mange, a Texas Department of Public Safety spokeswoman, said Liendo was pulled over at about 1:15 a.m. by a state trooper.

“He was speeding and he changed lanes without signaling,” she said. “The trooper estimated he was going 85 (miles per hour) in a 55 (mph zone). After he changed lanes without signaling, he almost rear-ended someone, so the trooper got behind him and pulled him over at the Calton exit going northbound.”

If convicted, a Class B misdemeanor can carry a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. A Class C misdemeanor carries a fine of up to $500.

Seana Willing, executive director of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, said it was unlikely that the charges would lead to Liendo’s removal from the bench.

“There are really two areas under the statute (that address removal),” she said. “Conviction of a felony offense would be automatic removal from office, or a conviction for a misdemeanor offense involving official misconduct.”

Willing said “official misconduct” is defined as “a crime of moral turpitude such as theft or indecency-type of offense or anything that actually has to do with the official office,” and would not include an offense such as a DWI or open alcoholic container.

First elected to his position in 1992, Liendo has served as a justice of the peace for 14 years. Prior to his work on the judicial level, Liendo served as a Laredo city councilman from 1988 to 1992.

Liendo said this is the first time he has faced charges and that he’s never been in any trouble. He said his lawyers were handling the suspension of his driver’s license.

“I know this is a serious matter, and I am consulting with my attorneys,” Liendo said.

(Kirsten Crow may be reached at (956) 728-2557 or by e-mail at kirsten@lmtonline.com)

©Laredo Morning Times 2006

[Theodore R.]

The apology has come, but some employers wouldn't accept such an apology, the way "the people" accept it.

[COBOL2Java]

Gosh, I don't understand why his political affiliation wasn't included in the story!

[verum ago]

he apologizes... to his constituents...
... what about the rest of the people he's supposed to be serving leading by example?

[gas0linealley]

Years ago I worked with a guy who got a DWI

The judge threw the book at him, really hard.

Not long after the, the judge killed himself.

Ran into a tree, driving DWI.

[jocko12]

Just hang him.