A Hall County deputy resigned this week after he was found to be under the influence of alcohol while appearing in court to testify.

John Grantham, 32, of Flowery Branch, had a blood-alcohol content of .06 on Tuesday morning while in Hall County State Court, Sheriff’s Col. Jeff Strickland said.

It is illegal to drive with a blood-alcohol content of .08.

Strickland said Grantham, a patrol deputy, was subpoenaed to testify in a misdemeanor criminal case and was not wearing a sheriff’s uniform or gun or using a sheriff’s vehicle when he came to court Tuesday. He did not end up testifying.

Strickland said a deputy working security in the courtroom noticed what he believed to be an odor of alcohol on Grantham and notified a supervisor. Grantham was removed from court and given a breath test. He submitted his resignation later that day in lieu of termination, Strickland said.

Grantham had been employed with the sheriff’s office for eight months and had no prior disciplinary problems. "This is an unfortunate incident, but we do not condone our employees being under the influence of any substance while on duty or representing the sheriff’s office in court," Strickland said.