A Denver County court judge who hands down rulings on drunken driving cases has now been cited for drunken driving himself.

Judge Johnny Barajas admits to driving while drunk and is taking full responsibility for what he calls very poor and irresponsible choices.

Barajas, who is well regarded by his peers, said he will now enter a long-term alcohol treatment program.

"I am embarrassed. I knew better and I made choices I am going to have live with the rest of my life," Barajas said.

No one was hurt when Barajas hit another car at the intersection of 26th and Federal Thursday night. The police report showed that Barajas' car slammed into the back of a pickup truck making a turn onto Federal.

As a judge, Barajas knew he needed to let his boss know immediately because in his court, he hears DUI cases.

"I do not feel it is appropriate for me to sit in that court until I resolve my issues and I have to do that," said Barajas

"I will be treated like anybody else and expect to be treated like anybody else.

Shaken and somber, Barajas is spending his long planned vacation contemplating his future on the bench.

"I expect to be in that program a year if not longer. I will be subjected to random evaluations. I will have to go to therapy two to three times per week. I will lose my driving privileges," said Barajas.

"I am ready to accept the consequences for my very, very poor and irresponsible choices," he said.

Bbarajas said his accident scared him terribly because, as a judge, he knows first hand the terrible things that can happen when people drive drunk.

He said the thank God that no one was hurt.

He still faces the possibility of sanctions from judicial disciplinary commission and it is unclear what that would mean for his future.