If there is one positive amid the troubling situation in which Butler Township District Justice Kevin O'Donnell finds himself, it is the way he has conducted himself since being stopped early Saturday for allegedly driving while intoxicated.

Unfortunately, some public servants wouldn't have reacted in similar fashion.

Not only was O'Donnell quiet and polite upon his vehicle being stopped, but he has since publicly stated that he is prepared to face the consequences and wants no special considerations.

That attitude is laudable, although it in no way lessens the seriousness of what O'Donnell is accused. He used bad judgment, made a terrible mistake from the standpoint of his judicial career, violated the public trust in terms of projecting a good example, and caused embarrassment not only for himself, but for his family and the county judicial system.

But no one goes through life without making mistakes, and this is one serious error that O'Donnell must work to overcome.

"I do not expect nor do I want any preferential treatment from either the district attorney or the courts," O'Donnell said in a prepared statement Monday morning. "I regret that this event has occurred. I am sorry for the embarrassment this has caused to my family and friends."

As a first-time offender, O'Donnell is eligible for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. Receiving court approval for entry into that program would not constitute any form of special consideration.

Those accepted into the program must adhere to requirements imposed by a judge, and defendants who successfully complete the program have their records expunged.

Judging from the positive attitude that O'Donnell has exhibited since his arrest, it is to be presumed that his participation in that program would put this case to rest. However, that the situation occurred at all will put O'Donnell in an uncomfortable position in dealing with DUI cases that come before him in the future.

Perhaps this case will help him to be a better source of help and advice to those who come before him on such charges. He can still be as firm as each case demands, but his pending firsthand experience at the other side of the bench will be an incentive for better understanding about such dangerous and irresponsible conduct.

If he uses the DUI charge against him as an incentive to help others, including accepting opportunities to speak to young people about the dangers and legal ramifications of driving drunk, he will turn this difficult, unacceptable development in his life at least in part into an asset for his community.

As for his future in the eyes of his district's voters, that will hinge on O'Donnell's ongoing determination and cooperation toward putting this unfortunate and troubling episode to rest. It also will hinge on O'Donnell's performance in making the most of the positive opportunities that this incident has made possible for him.

By the good conduct and actions that remain available to him, it is O'Donnell who will be the judge of what course his future takes.

- J.R.K.