DUI charge may unseat lawmaker

KINGMAN, Ariz. -- A state representative from Lake Havasu City could lose her legislative seat because of her indictment on drunken driving charges Tuesday.

Special Prosecutor Dennis Willenchik said a La Paz County grand jury in Parker authorized a felony charge of aggravated DUI against Trish Groe, as well as a misdemeanor charge of false reporting to a police officer.

In Arizona, a felony conviction requires automatic removal of a state lawmaker from office.

Groe will be arraigned Oct. 1.

An acknowledged alcoholic, Groe took a 30-day leave of absence from the Legislature to enter a rehabilitation program after her March 22 arrest near Parker. In a blog published in August, Groe boasted of four months' sobriety and expressed regret for her actions.

"I made a horrible mistake in drinking and driving. I put countless others at risk with complete disregard," Groe said. "I thank God that I was stopped and give great thanks that I did not injure others by my appalling behavior."

Groe was driving home from the Capitol when she was stopped for going about 70 mph in a 55 mph zone, the La Paz County Sheriff's Office said.

Reports indicated her first breath test revealed a blood-alcohol content of 0.158 percent, nearly twice the legal limit in Arizona.

Crime lab reports also revealed that Groe had prescription antidepressants and weight-loss drugs in her system at the time of her arrest.