New Mexico lawmaker enters a no-contest plea in DWI case

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — State Rep. Georgene Louis, who was arrested by Santa Fe police in the final days of a legislative session in February and charged with drunken driving, has entered a no-contest plea.

The Albuquerque Journal reported Thursday that Louis must complete 24 hours of community service.

Her plea deal is for DWI, not aggravated DWI, and other charges were dropped after she provided proof of insurance and registration, according to the newspaper.

The Journal said court documents show Louis also must comply with drug and alcohol screening, attend an education program on DWI laws and install an ignition interlock device in her vehicle.

Santa Fe police said breathalyzer tests showed Louis had a 0.17% blood alcohol content – more than twice New Mexico’s presumed level of intoxication — when she was stopped by an officer Feb. 13 for driving her car 17 mph over the posted speed limit.

Louis, a 44-year-old Democrat who represents part of Albuquerque’s west side and has held the House District 26 seat since 2013, is not running for a sixth term in November.

She was one of five Native American legislators in the New Mexico House of Representatives as of 2015.