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Frawley entered an Alford plea this morning to DUI charges in Fairfax County and was given a suspended jail sentence. Date published: 9/21/2007
BY JEFF BRANSCOME FAIRFAX—Ousted University of Mary Washington President William Frawley won’t be spending time behind bars for drunken driving. Frawley entered an Alford plea this morning to driving under the influence charges in Fairfax County and was given a suspended jail sentence. The plea does not admit guilt but acknowledges there is enough evidence to convict him. The judge gave Frawley a 30-day jail sentence and $1,000 fine. But he suspended the jail time and all but $300 of the fine. He also suspended Frawley’s driving privileges for one year. While suspending the sentence, the judge warned Frawley that any future violations would bring jail time. Earlier this week, Frawley entered an Alford plea to a DUI charge in Fredericksburg. The judge in that case suspended his license for a year, fined him $500 plus court costs, and ordered him to attend alcohol abuse sessions. Because of the Fredericksburg conviction, Frawley faced the possibility of spending time behind bars as a repeat offender, but the judge today did not take that action. Frawley’s attorney, however, said today’s sentence likely means that Frawley ’s drivers license will be suspended for two years. He will be allowed to drive to alcohol-treatment sessions. Frawley was arrested in Fredericksburg April 11 after a fellow motorist called police to report he was swerving his car into oncoming traffic and driving across the Chatham Bridge with his right front tire missing. He told a police officer he had consumed six bottles of cough medicine, according to a police report. The day before, Frawley was charged with driving while intoxicated in Fairfax after he flipped a vehicle owned by the university’s private foundation. His blood alcohol content was 2 times the legal limit when he overturned the car in Fairfax, according to court documents. The UMW Board of Visitors fired Frawley “for cause” after his arrests and is now searching for a new president. Jeff Branscome: 540/374-5402 jbranscome@freelancestar.com
Mr. Frawley's Alford plea tells me he has not yet come to grips with the fact that he has a problem. I'm glad the 'burg judge is making him get treatment. I'm sure he doesn't think he needs it but maybe someone there can get through to him. He seems like a very smart guy with a lot to offer. I hope he succeeds. Either way, we'll definitely hear more about him in the future.
Mr. Frawley should be celebrating his victory in court this weekend so if your out on the roads beware of drunk drivers.
What a poor influence to have around college age young adults. I realize the school is not responsible for Mr. Frawley's actions, but he should have resigned a long time ago considering the fact that he obviously has issues with alcohol. To get two charges for DUI signifies a problem and to do it in that short of a time period signifies a serious one. The fact that he didn't spend one day in jail is not the right message to send. DUI will not be taken seriously by drivers until it is by the court system
This was his second conviction. He should have had to do time. The state dropped the ball on this one. It is clear that those of means are not subject to the same justice system as average citizens.
can move forward now that this is over and make healthy changes in his life.
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