Some Missouri Democrats say Rep. Jeremy LaFaver (D-Kansas City) might lose his seat in the state legislator if charges of marijuana possession stick.

LeFaverThe Highway Patrol reports LaFaver was stopped in Boone County for failing to show up for traffic court in Moniteau County on charges of driving with expired plates and driving without insurance. During the stop, troopers found a marijuana pipe and a small quantity of marijuana.

LaFaver has issued the following statement:

“I made a serious mistake, I apologize for it, and I am prepared to face the consequences of my behavior,” he says. “I want to stress that I was not operating under the influence.”

“I deeply regret the embarrassment I have caused my family and the people of the 25th District by this incident,” he says. “I want to assure my constituents that I have received no special considerations, nor do I expect to be treated any differently than any other citizen in my situation.”

LaFaver was unsuccessful in passing a bill he sponsored this year that would have lowered penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2012.