TV talk show host Steve Wilkos has avoided jailtime in his DUI case, stemming from an arrest in January.
According to the Stamford Advocate, Judge Gary White allowed Wilkos to take part in a court diversionary program, which includes attending a 15-week alcohol education program. He also has to participate in a panel with drunk-driving victims.
The 53-year-old Wilkos will have to be back in court a year from now. If he has completed the requirements, the charges will be dismissed.
Back on Jan. 21, Wilkos was arrested in Darien, Connecticut after flipping his car over. Police said he had a blood-alcohol level of .29, more than three times the .08 limit in Connecticut.
According to his arrest affidavit, the car was found balancing on the passenger side and his windshield had to be removed to pull him from the vehicle. The first officer to the scene said he smelled alcohol from the talk show host.
Wilkos said he suffers from depression and made a poor decision by getting behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated. His attorney, Eugene Riccio, told the Advocate he has taken steps to help himself since the accident.
For more details: popculture.com
