Former Rep. John Sweeney sorry about DUI

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y., Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Former Rep. John Sweeney apologized after being charged with drunk driving in Clifton Park, N.Y., with allegedly twice the legal limit of alcohol in his blood.

Sweeney was driving his 2004 BMW sedan when officers noticed him abruptly swerving out of the lane, the Albany Times-Union reported Monday.

Lt. Scott Coburn said officers smelled alcohol on Sweeney's breath and gave him a field sobriety test, which he allegedly failed.

A test of his blood-alcohol content showed 0.18 percent, more than twice New York's legal limit of 0.08 percent, police said.

Now, the 52-year-old Republican faces misdemeanor charges of driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI. The second charge carries a maximum penalty of a year in jail.

"I regret the occurrence," Sweeney said in a statement given to the New York Daily News. "I deeply apologize to my family and friends. I take full responsibility and I am hoping to work for a fair resolution."

Sweeney failed to be re-elected in 2006.