Full Answer
In a Aug. 1 court hearing, Altweis said that Higgins had been found in direct contempt for disrupting the proceedings. Altweis called probation officers after Higgins apparently stumbled getting up, and told him that she was concerned for his safety.
Clear told the newspaper that Higgins' behavior led him to believe something was medically wrong with the DWI attorney.
The 69-year-old attorney's blood alcohol content measured at .11 percent, according to KQRE. The presumed level for intoxication in New Mexico is .08 percent. He was taken into custody and then to an area hospital.
Attorney Tom Clear, who witnessed the incident, told the Albuquerque Journal that Higgins had visited another room prior to disturbing Altweis' courtroom, but that he did not remember doing so. Higgins had been scheduled to appear at two hearings two floors below.
Some lawyers have trouble relating to the law-breakers they represent. This one, unfortunately, doesn't.