(Michigan City, IN) - A judge has been sentenced for driving impaired just two days after his arrest in Michigan City.
Porter County Superior Court 4 Judge Christopher Buckley was placed on 180 days of probation for Class C misdemeanor operating while intoxicated. He was also ordered into substance abuse treatment.
Buckley, 46, was arrested Saturday night near the city’s lakefront and stepped into a courtroom for a hearing on Monday wanting to plead guilty.
La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan said his office agreed with his request and the quickly negotiated sentence for reasons that include Buckley being a first time offender. Fagan said the punishment was also standard for a first time OWI conviction without the involvement of major circumstances like injury or death.
“It made sense,” he said.
According to Michigan City Police, Buckley was stopped about 9 p.m. in the 200 block of Heisman Harbor for driving and parking in an area that he was not supposed to be in.
Police said Buckley, who was driving a 2024 gray Lincoln Navigator, exhibited symptoms of impairment such as slurred speech, glassy and watery eyes along with unsteady balance. His alleged blood alcohol level was .221-percent.
Buckley has since suspended his campaign for a second term as judge and released a statement.
“I feel strongly that officers of the court should be held to a higher standard of conducdt than an ordinary citizen, much higher than the standard of conduct I displayed this past Saturday night. I can place no blame on anyone but myself for this weekend’s actions. I am, however, grateful for the opportunity that this created to get help,” he said.
Buckley also said he has struggled with alcohol since his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. over 20-years ago.
