Española Police executive secretary Melissa Griego, who was charged with aggravated driving under the influence and reckless driving Feb. 14 after allegedly causing two accidents and driving with a blood alcohol concentration almost four times the legal limit, was back at work Feb. 17 after bonding out of jail.
Griego had until Tuesday to request a hearing before the Motor Vehicle Department to extend the temporary license she will use until the Department makes a decision on her case. At the hearing, the Department will determine whether Griego’s license was taken lawfully. The Department’s decision whether to revoke Griego’s license is made independently from the criminal court case, Anaya said.
If Griego is ultimately convicted of aggravated driving under the influence, her license will be revoked for 90 days automatically and she will have to attend DWI school, Anaya said.
Española personnel policy states that driver’s licenses are required for certain city employees, and employees who have their license suspended or revoked may be subject to disciplinary action. Policy also states that employees may be disciplined for actions which reflect negatively on the integrity of the city and for conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude.
Española Public Safety Chief Julian Gonzales has refused to comment on Griego’s situation. Deputy Chief Larry Ham referred all questions to Acting City Manager Veronica Albin.
Albin said she has not been made aware of any disciplinary action pending against Griego.
Griego bonded out of jail before being arraigned (making her first court appearance), Santa Fe County Magistrate Court Judge George Anaya said. Griego was twice scheduled to be arraigned but neither hearing occurred.
Griego posted $5,500 bail from Santa Fe County Jail shortly before 5 p.m. Feb. 17 and was released before her arraignment, according to the jail web site. Anaya said if she does not appear in court by March 14, one month from the date of the offense, she will be sent a summons.