Mark Ditka Pleads Guilty to Felony DUI and Drug Charges

Mark Ditka, 50, of Deerfield, pled guilty Wednesday to felony drunk driving and unlawful possession of a controlled substance at the Lake County Courthouse. Prosecutors allege that he was pulled over by police after he was observed weaving on Waukegan Road in Deerfield on October 7, 2012. The legendary coach’s son was sentenced to 24 months probation and required to complete 200 hours of public service work. He must also abide by a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and random drug tests. In addition, he is not allowed to frequent any establishment whose primary purpose is the distribution of alcohol. Ditka was facing a maximum 3 years in prison.

Although this marks his fourth DUI arrest, the new charge is his first conviction for driving under the influence. He was additionally charged with drug possession after police allegedly discovered hydrocodone pills his car at the time of arrest. Ditka did not have a prescription for the painkillers. A pending DUI from 2011 was dismissed as part of the plea agreement with Lake County prosecutors.

Ditka’s son pleads guilty to DUI, avoids jail, www.suntimes.com, January 30, 2013 Mark Ditka pleads guilty to drug, alcohol charges, www.dailyherald.com, January 30, 2013