A Culpeper town councilman has been sentenced to 30 days in prison after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol on May 21.
The conviction in Culpeper District Court marks the second one for 64-year-old Robert “Bobby” Ryan within the past five years.
As part of a plea deal with special prosecutor Amy Harper, Ryan received 90 days in jail, all but the Virginia minimum of 30 suspended, and a fine of $500.
Ryan’s driver’s license was suspended for three years, he was placed on probation for two years, and substitute Judge Steve Helvin ordered him to take part in the state’s Vehicle Alcohol Safety Action Program.
On February 26, Ryan was stopped shortly after midnight by Virginia State Police Special Agent Virginia N.R. White, who spotted him driving erratically. He was charged with DUI.
Judge Roger Morton and Commonwealth’s Attorney Gary Close recused themselves from the case. Special prosecutor Harper is from Spotsylvania County and Helvin is a retired Charlottesville judge.
Ryan served on the Culpeper Town Council between 1994 and 2002 and was elected again in 2008. His 30-day sentence will be served on weekends beginning June 20.