A Burlington man is facing a felony charge after being cited for his fifth drunken driving offense.
Jeffrey M. Staudinger, 44, is facing a Class H felony charge of operating while intoxicated, fifth or sixth offense. He could face fines of more than $10,000, more than six years in jail and revocation of his license for 24-36 months.
According to the criminal complaint filed recently in Racine County Circuit Court, a witness saw Staudinger drive a work van down his driveway May 13 with the intent of pulling into a neighbor’s driveway so he could get another car out of his garage.
The witness allegedly saw Staudinger attempt to back up the vehicle while it was still in drive, hit a 10-12 foot tall pine tree and knock it over. The witness also allegedly saw Staudinger stumble and slur his words.
A Racine County Sheriff’s deputy contacted Staudinger at his residence and allegedly observed a strong odor of intoxicants coming from him. Staudinger then allegedly told him that he had driven his van but had not had any alcohol to drink since he had driven the van.
According to the criminal complaint, Staudinger was given a series of field sobriety checks. He allegedly failed all three.
He was arrested, taken to a hospital for a legal blood draw and given a ticket for inattentive driving for hitting the neighbor’s tree.
Staudinger allegedly admitted to drinking, however, he said he only had four beers.
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If theys people want to give up the cash let them. But dont put some large amount of a fine that will never be paid on their head.
Burlington police could have a field day with fines if they only were out patroling and not at meetings. Warnings are great but the cronic speeder and just bad all around drivers get away. They need a real plain jane everyday looking unmarked patrol car.
Keep these idiots off the street I have Kids and Grandkids that want to grow up.