Rep. Ben Harbin speaks on arrest for DUI

For nearly a year, Rep. Ben Harbin (R-Evans) didn't speak about an arrest for allegedly driving under the influence in Atlanta.

But in a letter to constituents this past weekend, he says he's sorry for the silence.

"As I'm sure you're aware, last year I was involved in an automobile accident, and was subsequently charged with DUI," he said in the letter. "In the days following this event, I had two ways to deal with the situation. The first, which was suggested to me by many close friends and supporters, was to aggressively engage the media by going on radio and television programs to 'make my case' in order to prevent political fallout from the incident."

"The second was to simply allow the legal process to run its course, and to avoid any effort to try and manipulate my case through the media," the letter continued. Harbin also said he considered his family's privacy.

"Well, they say hindsight is 20/20, and unfortunately I made the wrong choice," he says.

There's apparently been little political fallout following Harbin's arrest, but there's still no resolution of the case either, due to several continuances.

Harbin has denied using his position as chairman of the house appropriations committee to postpone his court dates.

His defense attorney, however, says he sought some of those continuances citing a state law exempting legislators from attending court while they tend to state business.

"I deeply regret the events of last May and the embarrassment that this incident has created -- not only for me and my family, but for you, the people of my district," his letter continued. "You are entitled to straight answers from those who represent you, and I apologize if the legal process in this case has created the appearance that I have not been completely forthcoming."

Harbin, however, did not discuss details of the incident, nor did he admit guilt or maintain innocence. His letter also did not discuss any plans for a future court date.