The trial for Roger Hernandez, the West Covina Democrat state assemblyman charged with drunk driving, will begin in a Contra Costa Superior Court Aug. 7.
Hernandez, whose district includes the City of Industry, pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor counts stemming from his in Concord.
Although Concord police say Hernandez was arrested with a 0.08 blood alcohol level, a misdemeanor, Hernandez is challenging the evidence, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Hernandez believes there were “problems” with the analysis of his blood alcohol level because he had “no more than three glasses of wine” the night he was pulled over in a state vehicle.
Hernandez also denies reports he was with a Kaiser Permanente lobbyist when he was pulled over, according to the paper, although he confirmed the woman he was with works for Kaiser.
Read more about Hernandez’s defense against drunken driving charges here.
Hernandez is seeking re-election in November against Republican Joe Gardner in the newly redrawn 48th Assembly District.
With Hernandez still reeling from the fallout of his March arrest, Gardner, a first-time candidate for public office, was the surprise victor against Hernandez in the June 5 primary election.
Mike Meza, the Independent candidate who ran unsuccessfully against Hernandez and Gardner in the primary, threw his support behind Gardner in a press statement last month.
“Hernandez lacks in experience henceforth lacks in wisdom,” Meza wrote. “I have come to the conclusion that Hernandez is narcissistic, deceptive and has been, and continues to be, unqualified for the position he currently holds.
“I found [Gardner} to be more than adequately qualified, not just someone other than Hernandez,” Meza wrote.
