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MT State Senator Jim Shockley, who is vying for the state's top law enforcement position, is speaking out about his own infraction with the law.

Shockley, of Victor, was cited for driving with an open container in his car in January.

He was well below the legal limit for drunk driving when he was cited.

Shortly after the incident he stepped down from his role as the chair of the Legislative Senate Judiciary committee.

He apologized for the infraction but argued it is less of an offense than getting a speeding ticket.

"It's against the law but it's not a misdemeanor. It's less than running a stop sign. I shouldn't have done it. I'm sorry I did it, but I did it," Shockley said. "I won't do it again but you can't, in my mind, you shouldn't throw away my experience."

Shockley said voters should consider his decades of service in the Marine Corps, his career in law and his 13 years in the state legislator when they cast their votes during the 2012 election.

He is currently the only Republican running for Attorney General.