State Rep. Bill Beck says he will fight DUI charge

A Nashville state representative was arrested and charged early Friday morning with a DUI and violating the state's implied consent law, according to an arrest affidavit.

The affidavit described Carson William "Bill" Beck, 53, a state representative serving Davidson County, as has having "bloodshot, watery eyes and slurred speech."

In a prepared statement released Friday afternoon, Beck said he's innocent of the charges.

"I'm sorry for the embarrassment this has caused my family, my constituents, and the Tennessee General Assembly. I am innocent, and I will be vigorously contesting the charges," the Nashville Democrat said.

The affidavit said Beck was stopped on Woodland Street after an officer noticed he had both left tires completely in the center turn lane.

"I noticed Mr. Beck's eyes were bloodshot and watery, his speech was extremely slurred, and there was an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person," an officer said in Beck's arrest affidavit.

The affidavit said the arresting officer also noted other signs about Beck's appearance, that his tie was stained, his shirt was half tucked in and that his pants were unzipped.

But the officer said Beck denied consuming any alcohol and agreed to perform a field sobriety test.

"He agreed to perform (part of the field sobriety test), showing all 6 indicators as well as swaying while standing," the arresting officer said. "When I began to give directions for the walk and turn, Mr. Beck stated he did not want to continue with the tests."

The officer took Beck into custody and recited the implied consent law to him and Beck refused to submit a breath test.

Police have dash-camera footage of the arrest, but declined to release the footage until after the case is closed.

In Tennessee the law says the act of driving means the driver gives consent to have law enforcement conduct tests to determine if the person is driving while impaired. This "implied consent" law means that if someone refuses to let police conduct those tests, as Beck did, the driver may be charged with violating that law.

Someone can lose their license for a year if they refuse the test and it's the first time the person has been charged with breaking the "implied consent" law. The penalties increase with the number of times someone has broken the law or if someone was injured as result of the person's driving.

Beck is serving his first term in the legislature. He was elected in 2014 and replaced Mike Turner. His district includes portions of downtown, Germantown, East Nashville and Old Hickory.

Before his election, Beck faced challenges as to whether he actually lived in his district. In June the Davidson County Election Commission unanimously denied a request to remove Beck from the ballot; the request argued he actually lives in Sumner County. Beck acknowledges owning more than one home, but argued he lived primarily in the district.

His residency was challenged again after the commission's decision when citizens filed a lawsuit in October against the commission in Davidson County Chancery Court. The court dismissed the case in late November, after Beck won the election, according to court records.

Beck is an attorney whose law practice specializes in personal injury litigation. He thanked people for their support after his arrest.

"I would like to thank everyone who has called and offered me and my family their support during this difficult time. It is truly and greatly appreciated. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of the 51st district and fighting each and every day on their behalf," Beck said in the prepared statement.

During his time in the House, Beck has championed a bill that would ban swingers clubs near churches, schools, day cares and parks, a proposal that came in response to a planned swingers club in Madison. He's also vocally opposed the guns-in-parks bill and other legislation aimed at loosening restrictions on where handgun permit holders may take their weapons.

House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley, issued a prepared statement in support of Beck Friday afternoon.

"We have a legal system in place that will make the ultimate determination on this matter. I would urge everyone to reserve judgment until that happens," Fitzhugh said in the statement.

According to court records, his next court appearance is scheduled for May 14.

Reporter Jordan Buie can be contacted at 615-726-5970 or on Twitter @jordanbuie. Reach Dave Boucher at 615-259-8892 and on Twitter @Dave_Boucher1.