Fossella Pleads Guilty to DUI in Alexandria

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By Allison Klein

Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, April 13, 2009; 11:50 AM

Former New York congressman Vito Fossella pleaded guilty to driving under the influence today in Alexandria Circuit Court and will begin his five-day jail sentence Friday evening.

Fossella, whose political career fell apart after his DUI arrest last year led to revelations that he fathered a child in an extramarital affair, was sentenced to 180 days in jail, with 175 of them suspended. Judge Nolan B. Dawkins agreed to let Fossella serve his sentence on weekends.

Dawkins also fined Fossella $250, mandated that he complete an alcohol safety program and suspended his license for 12 months, although he can get a restricted license if he meets certain requirements. Fossella was convicted in October in Alexandria General District Court and appealed the verdict to Circuit Court. His trial was supposed to start today, but he instead pleaded guilty.

After his arrest last May, Fossella, 44, decided not to run for reelection.