Maxbauer Arraigned On Drunk Driving Charge

Grand Traverse County Commission Chair Christine Maxbauer was arraigned on a drunk driving charge Thursday in 86th District Court.

Maxbauer appeared before Judge Audrey Van Alst, a special appointee to the case from the 84th District Court. Grand Traverse County's judges and County Prosecuting Attorney Bob Cooney recused themselves from the proceedings because of Maxbauer's involvement in county government. Leelanau County Prosecutor Joseph Hubbell was appointed to the case in Cooney's stead.

Maxbauer stood mute on the witness stand during the arraigment, prompting the court to enter a not guilty plea on her behalf. Maxbauer is facing a drunken driving charge stemming from a July 7 incident in which she crashed into a parked car on West Front Street and blew a .16 BAC.

A pretrial date has not yet been set in the case.