Originally published Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Seahawks' Lofa Tatupu pleads not guilty to DUI

Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu entered a not-guilty plea to the charge of driving under the influence of alcohol Tuesday morning in Kirkland...

By José Miguel Romero

Seattle Times staff reporter

KIRKLAND — Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu entered a not-guilty plea to the charge of driving under the influence of alcohol Tuesday morning in Kirkland Municipal Court, and his lawyer said he hopes his client's legal matters can be resolved without going to trial.

Jon Scott Fox, Tatupu's attorney, said after the arraignment that he will try to work with the Kirkland city prosecutor before a July 7 pretrial hearing to resolve the case. A resolution would have to be heard in court if it is reached.

"This is done to preserve the status quo and to leave all of our options open," Fox said of the not-guilty plea. "Between now and the pretrial conference, we intend to examine all of the legal and factual issues in this case. We've already begun that process. We also intend to move forward toward a positive resolution."

Tatupu, 25, stood before a judge for his arraignment wearing a dark suit and a blank expression.

The player was arrested early the morning of May 10 in Kirkland. Tatupu was driving a 2006 Hyundai with four passengers, according to the police report. An officer observed him traveling more than 50 mph in a 35-mph zone and then followed Tatupu into the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant.

He was arrested after taking three field-sobriety tests and declining to take a portable Breathalyzer. His blood-alcohol content was measured at 0.155 percent and 0.158 percent, which is over the legal limit of 0.08 percent, in breath tests administered at the Kirkland Police Department.

Judge Michael J. Lambo agreed to Fox's request to schedule the hearing July 7, nearly a month earlier than the original Aug. 4 date. The Seahawks have training camp scheduled in August.

Tatupu, a three-time Pro Bowl linebacker over his three NFL seasons and a Seahawks co-captain, did not speak to reporters after the brief court appearance. Tatupu hasn't commented publicly in more than a month after issuing an apology for his actions.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com

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