3rd offense DUI sentenced

Charles A. Channel came before the Taylor County Circuit Court for sentencing on charges of third offense driving under the influence, (DUI) and third offense driving with a revoked license for DUI. According to Channel’s attorney, Mary Nelson, he completed an in-patient program in 2009 and continues to attend AA meetings.

“This is his seventh DUI conviction, he has been on home confinement, and he continues to drink,” state Taylor County Prosecuting Attorney John L. Bord “The State’s biggest concern is the safety of the public. I don’t think there is a program to help him right now.”

“In January of 2009, you were driving with an alcohol blood level of .275, which was three and a half times the legal limit,” stated Taylor County Circuit Court Judge Alan D. Moats. “And, you were driving with no license. However, the first obligation is public safety. With three offenses, it is only safe to lock you up.”

Channel was sentenced to one to three years in the West Virginia State Penitentiary for third offense DUI, and one to three years for third offense driving while license revoked for DUI with both sentences to run consecutively.