TORONTO, Ont. – Speaking publicly for the first time since her arrest on Tuesday, Coun. Ana Bailão said she will be pleading not guilty to impaired driving charges.

Flanked by city councillors who expressed their support for the rookie councillor, a subdued but composed Bailão thanked her colleagues, family, friends and constituents for their support.

“I am confident I will be able to demonstrate their faith in me is not misplaced,” the 36-year-old councillor said.

“These charges will in no way affect my ability to do the job I was elected to do.”

“I will continue to focus on my work and be a strong, strong voice for the interest of Ward 18 residents.”

The Davenport councillor was pulled over shortly before 2 a.m. on Tuesday in the Bathurst and Harbord streets area near her residence.

Police said she was charged with impaired driving and driving with over 80 milligrams, which is the limit.

“I assure you I am taking these charges very seriously,” Bailão said.

She did not specify how many drinks she had before taking the wheel.

Councillors from the left and right expressed their support for Bailão at the news conference.

“She had a bad night, she regrets it and I think it’s time to move on now,” Coun. Doug Ford said.

Coun. Paula Fletcher called it a “wake-up call” for councillors who routinely attend events where there is alcohol.

“We are required and invited to so many places where there is a lot of alcohol and I think that this is a wake-up call for any elected official,” she said.

The show of support drew criticism due to the severity of the allegations levelled against the councillor.

“Regardless of whether you made a mistake or not, it’s going to be a tough stretch for her so you want to support a colleague through that,” Coun. Josh Colle said.

On Monday, Bailão attended the Mayor’s Ball for the Arts.

Mayor Rob Ford said the councillor is innocent until proven guilty when news of her arrest broke on Tuesday.

“She innocent until proven guilty, that’s the most important thing here and we’ve all made mistakes,” Ford said. “She’s a great councillor and I support her.”

She is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 3.

Bailão was elected in 2010, replacing councillor and mayoral candidate Adam Giambrone.