The Portage Daily Register reports that state Representative Jeff Wood (I-Chippewa Falls) has reached a plea deal in one of the three alleged cases of driving under the influence.
Wood reportedly will plead no contest in Columbia County this coming April to charges of third-offense operating under the influence and possession of drug paraphernalia. Other charges, including one for marijuana possession, would be dropped as part of the agreement.
Meanwhile, during a court hearing in Marathon County on Wednesday, a court commissioner released Wood on a signature bond, and ordered him not to drive without a license and to only take medications in the prescribed dosage.
Wood did not appear himself in a Wausau courtroom, but his attorney appeared and said Wood stands mute on the criminal charges against him in that case.
The State Patrol arrested Wood September 23rd after eyewitnesses saw him jump a curb and nearly hit a guardrail while driving on Highway 51. Wood admitted taking six anti-anxiety pills, which was double the prescribed dosage, and two doses of nite-time cough syrup. A jury trial has been scheduled in that case for March 10th.
Wood also still faces operating under the influence charges in Monroe County and a legislative panel is also reviewing whether the lawmaker should be stripped of his position in the state Assembly.
AUDIO: Matt Lehman reports (:35)
