A Kalispell man who has pleaded guilty to his fourth offense of driving drunk is facing a suspended sentence.

Thomas Gorder, 63, entered the plea Thursday during a change-of-plea hearing in Flathead District Court.

Gorder was stopped by a Montana Highway Patrol trooper on May 6 after the trooper saw him drifting off the road on Shady Lane and overcorrecting, crossing the center line while opposing traffic was approaching.

During the stop, Gorder slurred his speech and had bloodshot, watery eyes and droopy eyelids. The trooper reported Gorder had great difficulty getting his wallet out and even more trouble getting his license out of the wallet.

The trooper did not have Gorder perform field sobriety tests because he was barely capable of walking. The trooper said Gorder could not follow his finger with his eyes.

An open can of beer was later found on the floorboard.

After being transported to the Flathead County Detention Center, Gorder provided a breath sample indicating his alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit.

Gorder’s prior convictions for drunk driving came in December 1990, July 1997 and March 2006.

Prosecutors are recommending four years with the Montana Department of Corrections, all suspended, when Gorder is sentenced on Jan. 9, 2014, while his attorney is arguing for a three-year, suspended sentence.

A felony drunk driving conviction is punishable by 13 months in a residential alcohol treatment program run by the Montana Department of Corrections, a consecutive, suspended sentence of five years either to the corrections department or the Montana State Prison, or between 13 months and five years of incarceration with the corrections department if the defendant has already been placed in treatment due to a prior conviction.

It also carries a fine of between $1,000 and $10,000.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at jdavis@dailyinterlake.com.