LANSING (WWJ) -- A former Livingston County undersheriff is facing fines and costs after pleading guilty to a drunk driving charge.
In December, Jeffrey Warder was charged with operating while intoxicated and open container of alcohol in a vehicle – both misdemeanors, according to court documents.
Those charges were dropped in exchange for pleading guilty to operating while visibly impaired -- punishable by up to 93 days in jail, a $300 fine and/or 360 hours of community service and rehab programs.
Following the guilty plea on Monday morning, Judge Daniel Bain moved immediately to sentencing Warder with fines and costs, according to Michigan's Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Bain stated that he made this decision based on Warder's lack of a criminal record, the results of his substance abuse evaluation, his loss of employment and his enrollment in counseling.
"We must hold public servants accountable when they fall short of their oath," Nessel said. "No one - irrespective of their position - is above the law."
Warder was arrested Oct. 26 after a Michigan State Police trooper pulled him over on D-19 in Livingston Count, said officials.
The trooper noted he looked intoxicated and could smell alcohol in the car.
According to police, Warder consented to a breath test on scene, which resulted in a preliminary blood alcohol content of .123. A blood test was later drawn and reflected a blood alcohol content of .133.
Warder resigned from his position in November.
