The arraignment of a powerful state legislator on a DUI charge from last year has been delayed again, and the fact that he's a lawmaker is the reason.
Representative Ben Harbin (R-Evans) was scheduled for an arraignment in Atlanta Municipal Court this week.
But Robert Highsmith, Jr., Harbin's attorney, says a statute requires courts to continue cases involving legislators -- whether they be defendants or witnesses --if they're needed for legislative business.
The continuance happens as the legislature prepares to go into session next week.
His attorney says it's the fourth or fifth delay since May, when Harbin was arrested on the charge in Atlanta.
Harbin is chair of the House appropriations committee.
For more information about the statute, go to www.lexis-nexis.com/hottopics/gacode/default.asp. The statute number is 17-8-26.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Rep. Harbin's DUI arraignment delayed
