The DuPage County Republican Party chairman, State Representative Randy Ramey pleaded guilty to a first time DUI. He was fines fined $1,750, order to attend a victims' impact panel, and placed on one year of supervised probation. Additionally, he was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. Unfortunately for Ramey, he will not be able to count any political work to apply toward the community service.
"I pled guilty, and I'll go forward," Ramey said, after his appearance in a DuPage County courtroom. His attorney, Scott Marquardt, said Ramey, 49, understood his mistake and accepted responsibility for his actions.
Ramey was stopped by police at 2:10 a.m. on August 28 for improper lane usage. He then failed the field sobriety tests, which then led to his arrest. After being arrested and taken to the police station, he was administered a breath test, which estimated his blood-alcohol content at 0.179. That is more than twice the legal limit of 0.08.
Ramey served in the General Assembly since 2005, and previously served on the House Drivers Education and Safety Committee and Transportation and Motor vehicles committee. He previously worked for the Illinois Secretary of State's office, which has advocated for tougher sentences for driving under the influence.