BOSTON -- A Massachusetts lawmaker charged with leaving the scene of a car crash that left one person slightly injured says he plans to focus on personal issues in his life.

State Sen. Anthony Galluccio spoke after a brief appearance on Friday in Medford District Court on charges connected to the Oct. 4 accident in Cambridge. A new court date has been set for Dec. 18.

Galluccio declined comment on the case, though he previously said he made a "serious error in judgment" when he drove away after his SUV rear-ended another vehicle.

About 13 hours prior to that accident, police gave the Cambridge Democrat a ride home because he was allegedly too drunk to drive.

A handful of protesters stood outside the court on Friday, with signs urging no "special favors" or "free passes" for Galluccio.

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