A humbled Rep. Joe Driver, the Garland Republican who illegally pocketed state travel money, pleaded guilty to felony abuse-of-office charges Tuesday and agreed to five years’ probation.
As part of his plea agreement, Driver will get five years deferred adjudication, avoiding jail time as long as he doesn’t violate the terms of his probation. After spending about an hour at the Travis County Courthouse waiting to enter his plea, Driver made a brief statement to reporters.
“Basically, my family and I are thankful that this has been resolved,” Driver said. The longtime lawmaker’s attorney, Dan Guthrie, said Driver may have more to say after his sentencing on Dec. 19.
But don’t worry, he gets to keep his pension. Must be nice. Driver was paired with freshman Rep. Cindy Burkett in a district that now leans Republican. I don’t recall seeing an announcement that he will not be running, but BOR says he did make one. Not that it really matters – I daresay Burkett would have won the nomination regardless. Coby has more.