Retrial Begins for Lawyer Accused of Trying Bribe His Way Out of DUI

The retrial for a Palo Alto lawyer who allegedly tried to bribe his way out of a driving under the influence arrest in 2010 got under way in San Mateo County Superior Court Wednesday.

Richard Chae, 39, has been charged with attempting to bribe an officer and drunken driving in connection with an incident that happened in Colma on Feb. 26, 2010.

At about 2:40 a.m., Colma police officers pulled Chae over on Serramonte Boulevard, according to the district attorney's office.

Chae had been convicted of DUI twice before, Deputy District Attorney Al Serrato said.

According to prosecutors, Chae allegedly offered to pay $900 cash to the police officer if he was allowed to go free.

When the officer refused the bribe, Chae allegedly offered $5,000, and when that was refused, he said he would pay $35,000, Serrato said.

Chae was arrested for bribery and suspected DUI.

When he was searched, police found $1,055 in cash and $135 in casino chips from Lucky Chances casino, prosecutors said.

His blood alcohol level was determined to be .13 percent, nearly twice the legal limit.

In November, a jury found Chae guilty of misdemeanor drunken driving charges, but deadlocked on the bribery charge.

The retrial is expected to take about five days.