An official with the state Department of Health and Human Services who handles matters related to substance abuse has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, according to court records.
Joan Smyrski, 62, of Jefferson, an associate director of treatment and recovery in the department’s substance abuse and mental health services division, was charged with drunken driving Sept. 25 in Strong after she was found to have a blood-alcohol level of at least 0.15, according to a statement from Franklin County Sherriff’s Deputy Brad Scovil. The legal blood-alcohol limit in Maine is 0.08.
In exchange for her plea, entered Tuesday in Franklin County Superior Court in Farmington, Smyrski agreed to enter into substance abuse treatment within 60 days and refrain from using or possessing alcohol or illegal drugs, according to court documents. She must also submit to future police searches and chemical tests.
Smyrski has a year to complete the terms of her agreement. If she does so successfully, she will be able to exchange her plea for a lesser charge of driving to endanger. At that point she would be required to pay a $1,000 fine and surrender her license for 30 days.
She also would need to spend two days in jail or 96 hours in an alternative sentencing program.
Her Augusta attorney, Walt McKee, characterized the plea agreement as a deferred disposition, noting that as long as Smyrski complies with terms of the deal, the OUI charge will be dropped in place of the lesser charge of driving to endanger.
“She’s relieved to have this behind her, because it was obviously stressful over the last few months,” McKee said. “She thought it was important to take responsibility for what she did, get a second chance and move forward.”
If she fails to honor the agreement, Smyrski could face a sentence of up to 364 days in prison and a $2,000 fine.
According to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services website, Smyrski is still employed at the agency. McKee said Smyrski was still employed at the agency as far as he knew.
DHHS spokeswoman Samantha Edwards did not return calls Thursday seeking comment.
Kate McCormick — 861-9218
kmccormick@centralmaine.com
Twitter: @KateRMcCormick
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