A Clanton city councilman arrested earlier this month on a DUI charge apologized Tuesday for his “regrettable decision.”

Timothy Wade Watley, who has represented District 2 on the council since 2020, was arrested Dec. 1 on one count of driving under the influence-alcohol, the Clanton Advertiser reported Tuesday.

He was released from jail after posting $1,000 bond, according to the Advertiser.

Watley told the paper he hoped he would be forgiven.

“I take full responsibility for my regrettable decision to operate a motor vehicle while impaired. I recognize that I not only violated the law, but risked an accident that may have resulted in injury to myself or others,” Watley said, according to the paper. “As an elected official, I must hold myself to a higher standard of behavior and serve as a role model for my fellow residents. As such, I will accept the judgment of the legal system for my behavior. I pray that my family, friends and the people of the City of Clanton will accept my sincere apology and find it in their hearts to forgive me. My promise is that I will use the lessons learned from this experience to become a stronger person and public servant.”