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Richmond police detective pleads guilty to DWI, no jail time

Posted at 12:52 AM, Jan 15, 2014
and last updated 2014-01-15 00:52:02-05

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)--A Richmond police detective will not spend any time in jail for driving while intoxicated last month.

Jack Larry was pulled over by a state trooper as he headed eastbound on Interstate-64 near Short Pump in a 2013 Volkswagen.

After a field sobriety test Larry was charged with driving under the influence and refusal to submit to a breath test.

The refusal charge won't be pursued. Court records show Larry was sentenced to 12 months in jail with all suspended.

He'll have to attend alcohol safety classes and pay a $250 fine.

The 32-year-old's license will also be restricted for one year. He remains on administrative leave from the police department.

"If you have a Virginia driver’s license, then you consent to have a sample of your breath taken if there's probable cause for DUI,” said CBS-6 legal analyst Todd Stone.  “If you refuse the test, and you’re found guilty, it means an automatic one-year suspension of your license."

Troopers said Larry’s passenger was Brooke Pettit, a 27-year-old assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond.  She was charged with being drunk in public, an unusual charge that begs the question: why?

Petit was ordered to perform 25 hours of community service, and her charge could be dropped if she completes the community service during the three month period.

"It's pretty uncommon to see a passenger charged with drunk in public,” said Stone. “Normally, there has to be very visual proof that something is in your system to be charged with that.  And there has to be an appearance of belligerent activity."