A New Mexico DWI attorney is facing charges after authorities say he walked into an Albuquerque courtroom drunk and into the wrong scheduled hearing.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that John W. Higgins was taken into custody at Metro Court on Wednesday after he allegedly showed up drunk in Chief Judge Julie Altwies' courtroom. Officials say Higgins' hearings were actually two floors below.
Authorities say his blood-alcohol content registered at 0.11. Officials say he had been in the courtroom for about 45 minutes and stumbled getting up.
The presumed level of intoxication in New Mexico is 0.08 percent.
The 69-year-old was taken into custody for direct contempt of court.
In 2009, Higgins was convicted of aggravated drunken driving.
A number to Higgins' law firm has been disconnected. It was unclear if he had an attorney.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.