County solicitor Melissa Rudas, age 55, has been charged with driving under the influence after a July 8 traffic stop in Bethlehem. Her blood alcohol was 0.08, the lowest level BAC under which a person can be presumed to be under the influence. Charges were filed Thursday with Magisterial District Judge Nicolas Englesson. Rudas has been released on $5,000 unsecured bail.

Rudas explained that she was on her way home after attending a high school graduation party for one of her daughter’s friends. She was crossing Minsi Trail bridge from south side Bethlehem, and saw flashing lights up ahead. She thought it was an accident, and made what may have been an illegal U-turn to avoid the area. She was immediately pulled over by an officer. What had been ahead of her was a checkpoint, not an accident.

Rudas accepted complete responsibility. She apologized to her family, friends, clients and Executive Lamont McClure after Thursday’s County Council meeting.

“I own this,” she acknowledged. She said the officer who charged her was very professional.

She caused no accidents, nor was she speeding.

McClure said he was “disappointed” by the charges, but added she is taking responsibility for her mistake.

“She’s done a tremendous job as Solicitor and I won’t deprive the people of her expertise,” he said.

In Northampton County, Rudas is eligible to apply for accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD), a special program under which charges are dismissed after a period of probation.