Judge dismisses DUI case against former Baldwin County DA candidate

BAY MINETTE, Alabama 
A drunken-driving charge against a former candidate for Baldwin County district attorney has been dismissed, court records show.

Baschab

Supernumerary Circuit Judge Pamela Baschab on Tuesday dismissed the criminal charge against Russell J. Watson, 47, of Bay Minette, after Thomas Brown, special prosecutor for the city of Bay Minette, filed a motion to dismiss the charge. In the document, Brown said Watson had completed mental health counseling as part of a plea agreement.
“I’m just glad it’s over, Watson said Friday. “It’s been a long road. I’m ready for it to be behind me.”
Police in Bay Minette arrested Watson in October for driving under the influence of alcohol. Police said a rifle, several handguns and an open bottle of wine were found in his Jeep. At the time of the arrest, Police Chief Michael Rowland said Watson failed a field sobriety test and later attempted but was unable to complete a breath test.
In January, Watson was convicted in Bay Minette City Court, where he received a 30-day suspended sentence and one year of unsupervised probation. Days later, he filed his appeal in Baldwin County Circuit Court.
Last year, Watson, a former Loxley municipal prosecutor, sought the Republican nomination for Baldwin district attorney, but dropped out of the race prior to the June primary.