by Caleb Fort
Daily Lobo
Marc Saavedra, UNM's government relations director, pleaded guilty on Thursday to DWI.
His sentence includes 48 hours of community service, an ignition interlock, one year of unsupervised probation and $84 of court fees, according to court documents.
Saavedra was arrested on charges of aggravated DWI on Aug. 30 after failing field sobriety tests and refusing a breathalyzer.
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The state changed the charge to DWI and dropped charges for a seat belt violation and illegal parking as part of a plea agreement, according to court documents.
His attorney, Robert Cooper, said Saavedra is subjected to random drug and alcohol testing by UNM as one of the conditions for his continued employment.
In a statement Saavedra released Thursday, he said he is attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and an intense outpatient program.
"I was wrong for drinking and driving," he said in the statement. "This act has embarrassed not only me, but my family, friends and place of work."
In an interview after his hearing, Saavedra said he wants to help other people with alcohol-abuse problems.
"If anything, I'd like to do what I can to be an example," he said. "I could help raise awareness for students."
Saavedra was hired at UNM in June. Before that, he worked as an administrator at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court.
Tommy Jewell, the judge hearing the case, said he was upset that Saavedra was arrested.
"It was a disappointment to learn on the 31st that you had been arrested for driving while intoxicated, especially because you served as an officer in this court," he said. "But I'm glad to see that you are taking steps to fix your problems."
Cooper said Saavedra took his arrest seriously.
"Days after he was arrested, he came to my office, and we set up a meeting," he said. "He said, 'Bobby, I've got a problem. I need to stop drinking. I need some help.'"
Saavedra volunteered to be placed on unpaid leave after his arrest.
He will return to work today, said Helen Gonzales, UNM's associate director of human resources.
"He wanted to be off while this was all being settled," she said. "But now that it's official and he's had his day in court, he's ready to come back."
Saavedra could be fired if he tests positive for drugs or alcohol, Cooper said.
Saavedra, the son of state Rep. Henry "Kiki" Saavedra, pleaded guilty to aggravated DWI in 1997, according to court
documents.
