Georgia judge charged with DUI

Associated Press

Sumter County officials say Southwestern Judicial Circuit Chief Superior Court Judge Rucker Smith of Americus was charged with driving under the influence.

Officials say the 57-year-old Smith was pulled over in Leslie on a speeding charge Saturday, and the officer charged Smith with having an open container of alcohol and driving under the influence.

The sheriff's office says Smith posted bond the day of his arrest. The judge said in a statement Wednesday that his attorney had advised him not to comment.

Smith was charged with battery in 2005, when he was accused of pushing and grabbing a woman by the neck while the two were in his home. A Sumter County jury took 90 minutes to determine the judge was not guilty.