DENVER (AP) – Rep. Dan Pabon wept as he apologized Monday on the floor of the state House of Representatives after his arrest last week on suspicion of drunken driving and improper registration.

After the remarks in which he vowed to win back the confidence of his family and community, Pabon was consoled with hugs from Democrats and Republicans in the House chamber.

“I plan on wholeheartedly accepting the penalties that come from my actions,” said Pabon, a north Denver Democrat who is the House speaker pro tempore. “As a legislator I’ve worked to contain the damage from the mistakes like the ones I made last week.”

He acknowledged that he had worked in the Legislature to pass laws to stiffen penalties for impaired driving, including one this session to mandate an appearance before a victim-impact panel “for those, like me, who choose to drink and drive, so they can come face to face with real-life victims of those bad choices,” he said.

“Today, needless to say, I believe in this legislation more than I did five days ago.”

Pabon vowed never to repeat his mistake.

“I apologize to my wife, my kids, my family, my colleagues and my community,” he said, sobbing. “I will work tirelessly to restore your confidence in me.”

Pabon was stopped about 11:30 p.m. Thursday in Denver . He will be arraigned on April 18. He has no previous arrest history.