radel in court this morning to face drug charges. the freshman representative was arrested last month and charged with cocaine possession. he could face up to six months in jail for that. cnn's athena jones live at the courthouse in washington. good morning, achina. . >> reporter: good morning, chris. congressman radel, we expect to see him contrite when he appears here in a few hours. he said he's profoundly sorry, he's ready to face the consequences of his actions. the florida republican is 37 years old. he has a wife and a young son. he was elected last year with tea party support. in a statement he says he struggles with the disease of alcoholism and this led to an extremely irresponsible choice. he also says he's seeking treatment. as you mentioned, if convicted, this charge of misdemeanor cocaine possession carries a maximum of 180 days in jail and $1,000 fine. house speaker john boehner said through a spokesman members of congress had to be held to the highest standards.