Danby man arraigned on DUI3 after crash
Toolbox
By Cristina Kumka STAFF WRITER - Published: October 19, 2009
Danby's James Kent, 25, pleaded innocent to a third drunken driving charge and negligent operation of a motor vehicle during his arraignment in Rutland District Court on Thursday.
Judge Thomas Zonay listened as Kent's attorney Matthew Branchaud entered the plea on the man's behalf, then ordered Kent to get photos and fingerprints taken by police within seven days.
Kent faces a maximum five years in jail or not more than a $25,000 fine and at least 400 hours of community service for the felony DUI charge, according to court records.
For the misdemeanor negligent driving charge, Kent faces not more than one year behind bars or a maximum $1,000 fine.
On the night of Sept. 19, Kent crashed his Dodge Neon on Quarry Hill Road in Danby and told police he didn't remember what happened, according to an affidavit by State Trooper Ian Sawtelle.
Kent was transported to Rutland hospital and after being discharged, police gave him a sobriety test in the emergency room parking lot.
Prior to his treatment, Kent told police he drank six Budweiser beers, beginning at 1 p.m. that day.
Kent did perform some field tests with police, but refused to take a breath test, according to court records.
cristina.kumka@rutlandherald.com
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