Although she was ashamed to appear in court for an impaired driving charge, Haley Alexandria Walz appreciated the fact she did not injure anyone or herself while behind the wheel.
In Moose Jaw provincial court recently, Walz, 24, pleaded guilty to having a blood alcohol content over the legal limit of .08. She received a fine of $2,000 and three months to pay, and a one-year driving prohibition.
The Crown stayed a charge of operating a conveyance while impaired.
Moose Jaw police were on patrol on May 10 at 11:40 p.m. when they clocked Walz driving 70 kilometres per hour near Saskatchewan Street, said Crown prosecutor Robbie Parker while reading the facts. After pulling her over, officers found Walz had red, watery eyes and smelled of alcohol; she also admitted to drinking.
Walz provided two breath samples, both of which came back at .170, which were twice the legal limit.
Walz has no criminal record, and while she did drive just above the speed limit, she didn’t cause an accident, Parker added.
The woman told Judge Brian Henderickson that she was out that evening socializing with friends.
“I want to apologize. I am very embarrassed,” Walz said as she became emotional. However, she is grateful that the officer pulled her over and likely saved her life that evening.
Henderickson accepted the Crown’s sentencing recommendation. He noted that Walz had no criminal record, didn’t cause an accident, pleaded guilty immediately, was contrite and showed remorse.
“This is a serious offence,” he said, adding that impaired driving continues to be a problem in Saskatchewan, more than in any other province.
Provincial court next sits on June 3.
