MEMPHIS, TN -
(WMC-TV) - Memphis City Councilwoman Janis Fullilove's case will go to trial after the district attorney's office asked that both she and her husband to undergo drug and alcohol treatment.
It was a twist in the case that surprised everyone involved, including the attorneys on both sides.
Memphis City Councilwoman Janis Fullilove and her husband, Vernon Chalmers, waited in court until their attorneys learned the news.
"This has been a curve ball but I'm a big girl and I can deal with it," said Fullilove.
The case will now go to trial, just when Fullilove thought this would be her final appearance before a judge.
As a condition for case dismissal, the DA's office asked that Fullilove and Chalmers go to drug and alcohol treatment.
Fullilove and her attorneys felt that was not necessary.
"If I want to have a glass of wine at my home and not get behind the wheel of a car, that's my prerogative," said Fullilove.
This case stemmed from an argument between Fullilove and Chalmers last August that turned physical.
Fullilove's attorneys were also surprised that the case has to go to trial.
"I don't have a drug or alcohol problem," said Fullilove. "If I did, I would've done what I did in 2008 and that's check myself into a treatment center."
The trial for Janis Fullilove and Vernon Chalmers is set to begin April 30.
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Janis Fullilove
Vernon Chalmers
