A man with three previous drunk driving convictions and one outstanding DWI warrant received a 120 day shock time sentence, plus a five-year suspended sentence in connection with a June 9 accident. On Nov. 5, the man pleaded guilty to two counts of misdemeanor driving with a suspended license and two counts of driving while intoxicated as an aggravated offender.
The crash took place at 1570 Common Street in Portage des Sioux, located at the intersection of Highway J and Common Field. At approximately 4 a.m., the man drove into the intersection at a high rate of speed and hit a roadway sign and a fence before finally crashing through the living room of a residence. No injuries have been reported, although the accident caused significant structural damage to the house, according to the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department.
According to a deputy at the scene, the man failed repeated roadside sobriety tests. He had previously been convicted of DUI charges in October 2005 and October 2009 in Cooper County and in Saline County in September 2009. He also has an outstanding warrant for DWI in St. Louis County. In addition to jail and probation time, he has been sentenced to complete 480 hours of community service and to use an ignition interlock device on his vehicle.
This story serves as an example of the strict and serious sentences that people could face when convicted of DWI charges. Individuals with prior DWI convictions may face increasingly more severe penalties. A Missouri criminal defense lawyer could work on behalf of someone who is facing drunk driving charges. This might include presenting a defense at trial or negotiating a plea agreement on behalf of a defendant.
Source: STL Today, “Repeat drunken driver gets shock time, probation after plowing into Portage des Sioux home“, Susan Weich, November 08, 2013
