Rep. Kennedy Gets Probation After Guilty Plea

Ramstad was in court with Kennedy yesterday. Afterward, as Kennedy addressed reporters, he singled out Ramstad for thanks, calling him a "true friend."

"Personally now, he has been so important to me in this very difficult time," Kennedy said.

Recalling his own wake-up call 25 years ago, Ramstad said he was happy to be Kennedy's sponsor. "He's accepted his addiction, and he's going to be just fine one day at a time," Ramstad said.

Kennedy did not take any questions as he and his entourage left the plaza in front of the courthouse. He ignored a reporter's question about whether he had been drinking the night of the crash; he had said in May that he did not consume alcohol that evening.

Traci L. Hughes, a spokeswoman for the D.C. attorney general's office, said no evidence has been uncovered to indicate that Kennedy was drinking before the crash.

Kennedy also did not respond when asked whether he intended to resign. His spokeswoman said that he has no intention of doing so.

But the next year is likely to be one of the more scrutinized of his life, with the regular doctor visits, the random drug tests and the weekly AA meetings that were ordered by the judge.

Along with those conditions, he must perform 50 hours of community service with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington and must contribute $250 to the organization. Also, he must not use illicit substances or engage in any other illegal activity.

If he goes astray in any way, he could be in trouble with the court. Melendez sentenced him to 10 days in jail and a $300 fine but suspended both penalties -- meaning she can impose them if Kennedy violates the terms of his probation.

Kennedy, who was born in Massachusetts, graduated from Providence College and stayed in Rhode Island to launch his political career. He was elected to the state House of Representatives in 1988 at age 21 and was reelected in 1990 and 1992 before moving to Congress.