State Rep. Ben Harbin, R-Evans, has bonded out of Atlanta's jail after being charged with driving under the influence early Sunday morning.
Jail officials said Harbin spent very little time in their custody, saying he was released soon after he arriving at the jail from being checked out at a nearby hospital.
Harbin, who was alone in his car, hit a utility pole about 1 a.m. Sunday in downtown Atlanta, according to police.
Harbin was not seriously injured. Police charged based on a field sobriety test, said Officer Eric Schwartz, a spokesman with the Atlanta Police Department.
As House Appropriations chairman, Harbin plays a significant role in shaping state budget plans. He has held the leadership position since 2005.
Harbin was instrumental this session getting state funds set aside for the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame and $5 million for expanding the Medical College of Georgia's dentistry school.
Gov. Sonny Perdue still has to sign off on next year's budget, which includes those local projects.
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