Travis County DA Could Be Released From Jail Thursday

Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg could be released from jail as early as Thursday, according to Travis County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Roger Wade.

Lehmberg was sentenced to 45 days behind bars after pleading guilty to drunken driving. But she could be released after serving just half that time because of good behavior. Wade says he hasn't been told for certain that Lehmberg will be released early. But he said that she has behaved well behind bars.

Lehmberg was arrested April 12 on suspicion of drunken driving. She pleaded guilty April 19. According to the arrest affidavit, while Lehmberg was polite and cooperative with arresting officers, she was also "insulting" and "cocky."

Lehmberg has said she plans to serve out her term as DA despite some calls that she resign. On Tuesday night, state Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford, again called for her resignation on the House floor.

King also filed an amendment to House Bill 3153 that would transfer the state's public integrity unit, which is housed in the Travis County DA's office, to the Texas attorney general’s office when the local DA is convicted of a crime.

After several House members spoke against tacking the amendment to the bill, King withdrew it, but he pledged to bring it back if Lehmberg doesn’t resign.

"So, Madam DA, please take this shot across the bow and recognize that the Texas Legislature, I believe, holds the office of district attorney and the head of the public integrity unit, hold that position with high esteem," King said.