amanoffewwords,
With the evidence (ie breath test), there was no choice but to plead guilty, that's how the court system works.
The point is that he presumably believed he was operating legally, so there was no intent.
Having got myself into some sticky situations myself completely unwittingly, its sobering
to consider how easily one's life can be turned upside down.
And for those who think James handled the matter correctly, how would any of you feel if you were reported by a fellow crew member for an operational matter, for example, without them voicing their concern to you first? He handled it poorly and is quite simply a snitch.
