FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Suspended Broward County drug court judge Gisele Pollack has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor DUI charge.
Pollack was fined $500 Thursday and her license was suspended for six months.
The drug court judge surprised the courtroom when she admitted her guilt.
"I accept the consequences of all my actions, your honor, and I plead guilty because I am guilty," she told a judge.
Pollack's plea went against the advice of her attorneys, who wanted her to enter a plea of no contest.
"I am guilty of driving under the influence," she said. "I am guilty of letting myself down. I am guilty of letting the community down."
Pollack was arrested May 2 in Plantation.
Police said the judge was driving west on Sunrise Boulevard when she veered into the far right lane and struck a car. The driver of the car was taken to a hospital with a neck injury.
According to the arrest report, the officer could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the car and the judge's mouth. The officer also wrote that she "was incredibly unsteady on her feet" and nearly fell over a couple of times during a roadside sobriety test.
Pollack, who has admitted to having a history of alcohol and drug addictions in the past, went on personal leave in March after a meltdown in court. She also had a relapse on the bench in December that led to a disruption in court and her return to rehab.
"I am sober, I am healthy and I am committed to never, ever drink again," Pollack said.
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