Judicial candidate charged with DWI

Raleigh, N.C. — A Raleigh lawyer running for a Wake County District Court judgeship has been charged with drunken driving, police said.

Mark A. Perry, 49, of 3231 Lewis Farm Road, was arrested on Wade Avenue around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. He had a blood-alcohol content of 0.09. Anything above 0.08 is illegal in North Carolina.

Perry is running against Anna Worley for the District Court seat being vacated by Judge Shelley Desvousges, who is retiring.

Perry issued an apology for his behavior and asked for understanding in the wake of his father's death.

"I made a mistake for which I take full responsibility," Perry said. "The death of my father four weeks ago after his extended illness has impacted me in a far greater way than I ever imagined.

"I apologize to the people of Wake County and ask for their understanding," he continued. "I still believe in the presumption of innocence, due process and the equal protection of law, and I always will."

Perry said he has not decided yet whether he will continue to run for the district judgeship.

He has run for other Wake County offices, including clerk of court. He was also a contender to be the county's first public defender.

87 Comments

WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.

VIEW ALL 87 COMMENTS

This story is closed for comments. Comments on WRAL.com news stories are accepted and moderated between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Latest Comments

I know Mark. I don't condone drinking and driving under any circumstances. I do know that he has a good heart and has been good to our family. I'm sorry for his dad. I recently was in a car accident, cold stone sober, at 5:30 in the afternoon, before a party. In a minute things can change. Knowing Mark, he's going to be hard enough on himself. I hope he does not pull out of the race. He is hard working, compassionate and a good guy to know. Hang in there Mark, this too shall pass!

themom2
September 23, 2008 2:42 p.m.

"tarheel, I'm sure it's all just like you said, or not. I'm leaning towards not though."

I couldn't care less if you believe me or not. I was weaned on el rushbo and so it came naturally. But GG on dropping the political hackory in favor of actually discussing the issue at hand. I know it's more fun to demonize people but I'm glad you're starting to take the high road.

"Tarheel - Just so you know, I did not give up on the subject, just you......I was under the impression that I could post comments on this board just like everyone else does, just to see and be part of everyone else's opionion"

Call it what you will, but you made a sensational statement about what WOULD have happened if he wasn't pulled over, and I called you out on it. Simple as that. I'm not holding a grudge, I'm just amazed that you can't admit that you were wrong...especially considering he barely blew over the limit.

tarheel4life
September 19, 2008 11:41 a.m.

Tarheel - Just so you know, I did not give up on the subject, just you......I was under the impression that I could post comments on this board just like everyone else does, just to see and be part of everyone else's opionions. Thanks for serving our country, I respect anyone who does. My daughter is in the Army and so is her husband (who is currently deployed to Iraq) Hope you have a wonderful life, but I will not entertain your pitiful posts any longer.......and I am moving on, not giving in.

Smiling
September 19, 2008 9:14 a.m.

This is mind numbing in a way. One DUI I believe most of us would and could forgive. That doesn't mean it doesn't make one unfit for certain jobs: cop, judge, DA, etc.. Being a drunk driver absolutely makes one unfit to be a judge. When on active duty I knew GI's who lost their security clearance and were barred from their job site because of a single DUI. Such is life.

What I find sad here is Perry claims he was drunk because he's having a difficult time dealing with his father's death. Okay. His reaction to stress is to drink. He's been caught drunk driving and there was a suggestion that this was not the first time either. What this is telling me is that Mr Perry may have a substance abuse problem. He might be a nice guy. That doesn't mean he's fit to be a judge nor that he does not have a substance abuse problem. Again, not a quality I care to see in a robe seated at the bench.

tarheel, I'm sure it's all just like you said, or not. I'm leaning towards not though.

WRALcensorsforIslam
September 19, 2008 9:05 a.m.

hahahaha you political hacks are all the same.

liberal this, democrat that, blah blah rabble rabble rabble.

i'm actually a registered republican, served this country in the USMC and voted for W (twice). There go your assumptions.

tarheel4life
September 19, 2008 8:08 a.m.