Judge Jeffrey Middleton Sentences First-Offense OWI with High BAC After Accident, Denies Probation

Описание: In this Michigan district court sentencing, Jeffrey Middleton addresses a first-offense Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) case that was originally charged as High BAC and later reduced. The matter proceeds to sentencing with defense counsel appearing by Zoom due to an emergency.

Key points from the hearing include:

The original High BAC charge (≥0.17) is dismissed, and the defendant pleads to OWI – First Offense.

The pre-sentence report finds no prior criminal history, crediting the defendant with one day served.

Defense requests probation and asks the court to defer remaining jail time, arguing probation services would address alcohol issues and incentivize compliance.

The prosecution highlights the accident, erratic behavior, lack of a driver’s license, and high breath/blood alcohol readings (including breath tests around 0.171–0.173 and a later blood test showing a declining level), and requests jail time served up front rather than deferred.

Court’s Analysis & Ruling

Judge Middleton emphasizes:

Although reduced, OWI is still a serious misdemeanor, especially with an accident and BAC roughly twice the legal limit.

Concerns about placing defendants without lawful residency status on probation when compliance (testing, transportation) may be impractical, risking failure.

Legislative guidance that first-offense OWI carries a presumption against jail absent aggravating factors—which are present here.

Sentence Imposed

3 days jail, with 1 day credit, leaving 2 days to serve

No probation ordered (to avoid setting the defendant up for failure)

Fines, fees, and reimbursements totaling $930, including:

$300 fine

$75 Crime Victims’ Rights fee

$50 state minimum cost

$100 screening fee

$150 attorney fee

$255 reimbursement to Sturgis Police Department

Payment due by April 1, 2026

Jail time to be coordinated by probation with consideration to avoid job loss

Judge Middleton notes the defendant’s family circumstances, underscores public safety, and states that the two remaining jail days reflect restraint, as a longer sentence was considered.

⚖️ This video is presented for educational and documentary purposes only.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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