Man sentenced for DUI
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years AGO
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | September 17, 2020 1:00 AM
A judge said Tuesday that a man who pleaded guilty to his third DUI in four years needed “forced sober time” when she sentenced him to no more than six years behind bars.
Matthew R. Burroughs, 33, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and unlawful possession of a weapon, both felonies.
He was sentenced to a fixed term of three years for the former charge, followed by an additional three-year indeterminate sentence, to be served concurrently with a fixed three-year sentence followed by two years indeterminate for the latter charge.
Burroughs last pleaded guilty to a DUI charge in 2016.
Police said Burroughs was traveling south on Highway 97 on the evening of March 1 when his truck crossed into the oncoming lane and hit a snow berm. He was reportedly slumped over the wheel with the truck still running when police responded to the scene around 11:30 p.m.
Burroughs reportedly told police he was driving home from a pub in Coeur d’Alene, where he worked as a bartender, and had consumed approximately four beers prior to leaving work. Police said his speech was slurred and he smelled of alcohol.
Burroughs was later arrested for unlawful possession of a weapon on May 22.
Though Burroughs’ attorney asked the judge to suspend any sentence in both cases and grant probation, Judge Cynthia Meyer said Burroughs needed “time in a secure setting to concentrate on treatment,” court documents said.
“I wish you the best,” Meyer said. “I know you can do this.”
ARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH
Prosecutor condemns threatening comments
After press release sparks outcry, Mortensen shares insight
After a news release about the outcome of a criminal case sparked outcry this week, Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Stan Mortensen said he aims to inform the public through the information he publishes, not fan the flames of anger.
No serious injuries after car drives off Resort parking garage
No serious injuries were reported Friday afternoon after an occupied vehicle drove off the third level of the Coeur d'Alene Resort parking garage, according to authorities.
KCRCC addresses investigation into Prop 1 signers
Details under wraps after lengthy meeting
In a tense meeting that stretched past midnight this week, the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee discussed an investigation into members who signed to qualify a proposed abortion-rights initiative for the November ballot.