DFL Rep. Brion Curran gets jail sentence after pleading guilty to drunken driving

State Rep. Brion Curran received a jail sentence last week after pleading guilty to a drunken driving incident in October.

The Vadnais Heights DFLer was sentenced to two days in jail and an additional 88 days of stayed jail time with conditions, and was ordered to pay $485 in fines. The lawmaker pleaded guilty to fourth-degree driving while impaired, and the jail time was stayed for two years of supervised probation as part of a plea deal.

“I accept responsibility for driving under the influence of alcohol,” Curran said in a statement. “I regret my decisions and I am sincerely grateful that no one was hurt.”

Curran was arrested on the early morning of Oct. 9 after an SUV was reported driving “all over the road and speeding” while heading north on Interstate 35 near Harris, according to the criminal complaint. A Chisago County deputy reported finding Curran driving slowly in the shoulder lane with a flat tire.

Curran told officers she had three drinks, according to the complaint, and allegedly showed signs of impairment during a sobriety test. The lawmaker was arrested and later found to have a 0.16% blood alcohol content, double the legal limit.

“I want to thank the Chisago County Sheriff’s Office for ensuring my safety and the safety of others,” Curren said in her statement. “I know that trust is earned and, once broken, is difficult to repair.

“Since October, in recognition of the seriousness of my actions, I have been attending courses and training related to the dangers of drunk driving. I’m sorry for the decisions I made, and by pleading guilty, I accept full responsibility.”

Curran represents District 36B, which includes White Bear Lake, Gem Lake and Birchwood Village. The state website lists Curran’s career as social services. Her campaign website says she is a former police officer and was once a deputy for the Chisago County Sheriff’s Office — the agency that arrested her.

Other Minnesota legislators have faced drunken driving charges within the last year. Rep. Dan Wolgamott, DFL-St. Cloud, pleaded guilty in Kanabec County to drunken driving after he was pulled over July 7 by a state trooper just outside Mora with a blood alcohol level of 0.09%, above the legal limit of 0.08%. His plea agreement called for a 45-day jail sentence that would be set aside for two years and a $400 fine.

Rep. Matt Grossell, R-Clearbrook was arrested last February for speeding a few miles from his home and found to have a blood alcohol level of 0.15%. He pleaded guilty in July after reaching a plea agreement that included a 90-day suspended jail sentence and two years’ unsupervised probation.

Star Tribune Staff writer Rochelle Olson contributed to this story.