Judge Astacio sentenced to 60 days in jail, 3 years of probation

After spending a month in jail, Rochester City Court Judge Leticia Astacio was sentenced to even more jail time. Judge Aronson sentenced Astacio to 60 days in jail, plus three years’ probation and ankle bracelet monitoring. Her sentencing includes time served and she should be out of jail in two weeks. Judge Astacio was charged with DWI in Feb 2016 and convicted in August 2016. She was found guilty of violating court orders last month. In court on Thursday, Attorney Bridget Field said Astacio’s sentence was tough for violating the terms of her release. Field says Astacio sought out community service and volunteering opportunities and that she no longer drives. Astacio’s lawyer also called the media coverage “a form of punishment” and that it has affected her family. In court, Judge Astacio said she “didn’t understand how the judge could think she is arrogant.” She told Judge Aronson that she went beyond the minimum requirements after her DWI conviction and that she also went to therapy. Astacio says she was turned down for volunteering due to publicity. Judge Astacio says it was “painful“ not to be allowed to go to work as a judge. She says she read “Eat, Pray Love” which inspired her to go to Thailand. Judge Astacio also said she went to Thailand to avoid publicity and to be anonymous. Astacio says when the interlock in her car spotted alcohol, she had already stopped driving and assumed it had nothing to do with her. She says she only kept her car with the interlock in case of emergencies, and didn’t drive. In court, Astacio said: “I don’t think anyone has been punished this much for misdemeanor DUI.“ She also said “the media tried to break me.” Judge Aronson said “nowhere did I hear one word of remorse“ after Judge Astacio spoke. He rejected her request to do straight jail time instead of probation. After the verdict was read, Astacio supporters were removed from the court due to an outburst.