CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A state lawmaker in North Carolina has pleaded guilty to contempt of court for missing a client's trial in 2007.
A judge ordered Mecklenburg County Rep. Nick Mackey to pay $262 in court costs Tuesday, entering what's called a prayer for judgment continued. That allows defendants to plead guilty, but avoid a conviction on their record.
Defense attorney Thomas Porter said that Mackey wanted to put this matter behind him. He said the Democratic lawmaker was singled out because of his political endeavors.
A judge ordered a contempt hearing in 2007 after Mackey failed to show up for a client's trial and then showed up late when a judge asked him to explain the next day.
