Politics & Government
Fairfield Selectman Charged With DUI In Darien Appears In Court
Selectman Tom Flynn is applying for a diversionary program that could see the charge dismissed and his record erased.
FAIRFIELD, CT — A Fairfield selectman who was accused last month of driving under the influence in Darien is applying for a program that could result in the charge being dismissed.
Tom Flynn appeared in court Monday in Stamford to apply for an alcohol education program. If he successfully completes the program, the charge against him will be dropped and his record will be erased.
Flynn, 52, of Coral Drive, was stopped by officers about 5:30 p.m. Feb. 17 on Center Street for erratic driving, Darien police said at the time. Flynn's eyes were glassy and bloodshot, and he smelled like alcohol, admitted to drinking earlier in the day and failed a field sobriety test, according to police, who said a breathalyzer revealed his blood-alcohol content to be 0.1008.
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Flynn, in a prepared statement after his arrest, cited a medical condition and medication as contributing factors.
“I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said at the time. “I have learned a valuable lesson and assure you it will not happen again.”
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Flynn, a Republican, was elected to the Board of Selectmen in 2019. Prior to becoming a selectman, he chaired the Fairfield Board of Finance.
In court Monday, Flynn confirmed before Judge Gary White that he had never been convicted of driving under the influence or participated in an alcohol education program, and agreed to undergo treatment and counseling as part of the program, according to a recording of the arraignment provided by judicial officials.
“This is a pretrial diversionary program, which doesn’t deal with guilt or innocence,” said Flynn’s attorney, Michael Meehan, in a phone interview.
Flynn may have underestimated the effect his medication would have on his ability to metabolize alcohol, according to Meehan.
“It’s not a reflection of who he is,” Meehan said, noting that as part of the program application, Flynn has obtained several character reference letters, including one from former Fairfield police chief Gary MacNamara.
Flynn’s next court appearance is set for May 3, when Meehan anticipates the program application will be accepted.
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