ATLANTA -- State Rep. Ben Harbin, R-Evans, pleaded guilty to reckless driving this morning in Atlanta Municipal Court to end his long-running DUI case, which stemmed from a late-night crash near the Capitol in May 2007.

Judge Herman Sloan sentenced Mr. Harbin to 12 months' probation and ordered him to attend DUI risk-reduction classes and perform 100 hours of community service.

The powerful House Appropriations Committee chairman has already paid roughly $1,500 in fines and court costs, his attorney said, and his probation will terminate after he completes the classes and community service.

Mr. Harbin, who did not speak with reporters after court, has said he would take responsibility for his actions. His attorney, Robert Highsmith, said today’s plea accomplished just that.

“He’s taken responsibility for what the solicitor ultimately decided to charge him with,” Mr. Highsmith said. “We’re pleased that he was able to put the matter behind him today with a plea to that charge.”

Before the plea, Mr. Harbin, 44, was set to be tried on charges of driving under the influence, failing to maintain a lane and failing to report striking a fixed object.

His driver’s license will not be suspended.

Assistant City Solicitor Warren Atkinson would not comment on the case and referred questions to City Solicitor Raines Carter, who did not immediately return calls.

In a police report, an Atlanta police officer said Mr. Harbin was glassy eyed, smelled of alcohol and refused to submit to a blood test.

The lawmaker’s case was delayed several times as his attorney worked with prosecutors toward resolving the charges.

Mr. Harbin was arrested after he struck a telephone pole in his silver Nissan Maxima around 1 a.m. about a mile from the Capitol in Atlanta.

He told an arresting officer that he had swerved to avoid hitting a pedestrian in the roadway.

Witnesses near the crash scene told police they did not see any pedestrians or other vehicles in the area.

Police were unable to find skid marks on the pavement. No one was injured in the crash.