Peta Credlin, the chief of staff of PM-elect Tony Abbott pleads guilty to DUI charge Tony Abbott's chief-of-staff Peta Credlin says she made a mistake and was happy to front court like everyone else, after her drink-driving charge was dismissed at the ACT Magistrate's Court. PRIME Minister-elect Tony Abbott's chief-of-staff has had a drink-driving charge dismissed after incoming attorney-general George Brandis wrote her a glowing character reference. Three days after engineering the Coalition's historic election victory, Peta Credlin today fronted ACT Magistrates Court over the charge from the night of Mr Abbott's budget-in-reply speech in May. The court heard Ms Credlin had registered a blood alcohol reading of 0.075 when she was pulled over outside her home in Canberra just a short drive from Parliament House. At the time, Mr Abbott said that Ms Credlin was in the wrong and would comply with legal processes. In court today, Ms Credlin's lawyer Ben Aulich confirmed her guilty plea after the charge was read out. In his submission, Mr Aulich argued Ms Credlin had a low level reading and had a good track record from two decades of driving. Peta Credlin, Tony Abbott's Chief of Staff, appearing at the ACT Magistrates Court in Canberra. He said she had an "exemplary character" and had been punished by the media coverage of her actions. "This was just a big mistake by Ms Credlin," he said. He also produced a letter from Senator Brandis praising Ms Credlin's character and respect in political circles. "I know Peta Credlin to be a person of the upmost professionalism and respect," he said the letter said. Punishment for the offence can include conviction, loss of licence or fines. But Magistrate Maria Doogan dismissed the charge on the basis of Ms Credlin's good character. Ms Credlin was ordered to pay court costs of $69. Outside court, Ms Credlin said she had not made any excuses and was happy to front court like everyone else. "I did the wrong thing," she said. I made a mistake.