RALEIGH - Apex Councilman Scott Lassiter - who was charged with driving while impaired almost a year ago - could see a resolution to his case today.

Lassiter, 24, is expected to appear in a Wake County court to fight the charges. A state trooper pulled him over at about 12:15 a.m. Feb. 13 in Garner.

Lassiter has denied allegations that he was intoxicated.

Lassiter reportedly lost control of his vehicle on Vandora Springs exit ramp to U.S. 70 and went into a ditch, according to a statement by Trooper Matthew Cape.

According to court records, Lassiter appeared to have "glassy, bloodshot eyes" and a "strong odor of alcoholic beverage upon his breath."

He declined to take a roadside Alco-Sensor test, but later submitted to an Intox EC/IR II chemical analysis at 1:12 a.m. Lassiter had an alcohol concentration of .11, above the legal limit of .08, according to court records.

His license was revoked for 30 days, and he was cited for failing to maintain lane control.

If a Wake County judge finds Lassiter guilty of DWI, he could face fines that range from $200 to $4,000 and 24 hours to two years in jail, according to the N.C. Highway Patrol's website.

Lassiter's attorney, James Crouch, submitted a petition that if Lassiter was convicted, he should be ordered to complete substance abuse classes or other DWI-related education classes, according to court records.

Because it is a misdemeanor offense, Lassiter will be able to retain his seat on the Apex Town Council, even if convicted. He said he had no plans to resign.

He was elected to the town council in November with 27.6 percent, or 2,493 votes.

In the past year Lassiter's case was continued seven times, most recently on Dec. 5 after Crouch asked a judge to give him more time to mount a defense. Crouch said he did not get a chance to interview Cape until Dec. 5.