Maxbauer Pleads Guilty, Sentenced To Probation

Grand Traverse County Commission Chair Christine Maxbauer was sentenced to a year of probation Monday after pleading guilty to one count of operating while intoxicated (OWI).

The charge stemmed from a July 7 incident in which Maxbauer crashed into a parked car on West Front Street and blew a .16 BAC. Maxbauer appeared Monday 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 told Van Alst she drank a bottle of wine at home before a call from a family member prompted her to get into her car and leave the residence.

"I deeply regret what I did. My judgment was very poor," she said. "I can assure the court, I can assure my family, I can assure my friends, this will not be repeated."

Van Alst sentenced Maxbauer to 12 months probation, three days of community service and over $1,000 in fines. As part of her probation, Maxbauer cannot consume alcohol or visit establishments that serve alcohol by the glass, and will be required to submit to daily alcohol testing.