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.