Rep. Curry Todd, the Shelby County lawmaker charged with DUI and unlawful possession of a handgun, declined a plea deal during a brief appearance for a settlement hearing in Davidson County General Sessions Court Tuesday.
Todd's attorney, high-profile Nashville defense lawyer Worrick Robinson, declined to comment on the specifics of the district attorney's offer. Todd is set to return to court Jan. 10.
In a short statement, Todd apologized for the events of Oct. 11, when Metro police said he failed a sobriety test and refused a breathalyzer. According to police, they found a loaded .38-caliber handgun stuffed between the center console and driver's seat of a GMC Envoy.
Todd was pulled over at the intersection of Blair Boulevard and 21st Avenue South, driving towards downtown at 60 mph — the posted speed limit is 40 mph — and swerving between lanes, police said.
Todd, who championed the state's controversial guns-in-bars legislation, said, "Everyone is capable of making mistakes."
Todd refused to comment on his political future or on nagging allegations that he is living with a lobbyist in Green Hills. Robinson called Todd's behavior "uncharacteristic."
According to Shelby County court documents, Todd's divorce went final in the days preceding the arrest.
"I can't comment on the facts of what happened in those days," Robinson said. "I think all of that will come out in time."