Md. public defender arrested for DUI, assault on cop

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- An Anne Arundel public defender has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and kneeing an arresting officer in the groin.

The Capital Gazette reports (http://bit.ly/294M01Z) that 43-year-old Michele Vignola was arrested Wednesday on several charges, including driving under the influence and second-degree assault. Vignola has been a public defender for 16 years.

According to court records, Anne Arundel County police stopped Vignola early Wednesday morning in Annapolis, saying she didn't fully stop at a red light before making a right turn. Police say Vignola smelled like alcohol, but denied having anything to drink and declined to perform a sobriety test.

As police tried to arrest Vignola, she allegedly hurled profanity-laced insults at them, and struck an officer in the groin with her knee.

Neither Vignola nor her attorney, David Putzi, could be reached for comment.

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Information from: The Capital, http://www.capitalgazette.com/