Oklahoma Representative Facing Felony Charge Following October Arrest

A state consultant is a going through felony cost following an incident in October in Edmond. 

Rep. Ryan Martinez was arrested exterior of an Edmond bar on Oct. 26 and is now charged with precise bodily management of a automobile whereas intoxicated. 

State regulation mentioned anyone convicted of a felony can’t serve within the legislature. 

Information 9 spoke to authorized analyst Irven Field in regards to the specifics of the cost Martinez is going through. 

Field instructed Information 9 it’s just like a DUI, with the identical punishment, however the important thing distinction is Martinez was parked, as an alternative of really driving the automobile.

Field additionally instructed Information 9 that the cost would solely be a felony if Martinez had been charged with a DUI up to now, even a misdemeanor cost.

Physique digicam footage from Edmond Police confirmed Martinez failed a number of discipline sobriety checks. Courtroom paperwork confirmed Martiez instructed officers he had “a pair beers on the patriarch” and later specified that he allegedly had two vodka tonics.

The officer requested him, “So two vodka tonics, that made you intoxicated?” The officer requested to which Martinez mentioned, “Apparently, I suppose so.”

The officer requested, “What was your plan proper now?” To which he responded, “I used to be gonna head to my home proper throughout.”

Martinez additionally instructed officers {that a} state regulation prohibiting police from arresting sitting legislators with the Legislature is in session, that means he could not be arrested. 

“The Structure in Oklahoma says I can not be detained on the way in which to go signify the folks,” Martinez mentioned within the physique digicam footage. 

He instructed officers they have been at the moment in a particular session, and requested, “Would you want me to name Kevin Stitt proper now?”

Officers later decided Martinez didn’t fall beneath the regulation at the moment, and after failing discipline sobriety checks and denying a breathalyzer, he was arrested. 

The felony cost was up to date by the Oklahoma County District Legal professional on Dec. 22. 

Information 9 reached out to Martinez’s workplace, they usually mentioned they’d no remark at the moment.