HARRISBURG -- State Rep. Michael Gruitza formally entered a rehabilitation program for first-time drunken driving offenders during a brief appearance Friday in a Dauphin County courtroom.

The Hermitage Democrat surrendered his driver's license for three months, agreed to do 40 hours of community service and paid court costs of $1,025 as part of his acceptance into Dauphin County's Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition program which involves attendance in driving safety classes.

He has already completed a drug and alcohol evaluation which is also a prerequisite for the program and had a three-month suspension of his driver's license.

Gruitza, who represents the Shenango Valley, has admitted he was driving under the influence when stopped by local police outside his apartment in suburban Harrisburg in the early morning hours of April 25.

Following the court appearance, Gruitza said "I'm glad it's over."

Gruitza stood with four other DUI defendants before Judge Scott A. Evans who asked if they had any question about the program. Gruitza then turned over his license to court officials.

Gruitza's attorney, John B. Mancke, said later that Gruitza set himself apart from some of the other state lawmakers who have run into legal trouble this past year by accepting full responsibility for his actions.

"He's accepted his responsibility," added Mancke. "That's the difference. He took full responsibility."