Cd'A man sent to prison for felony DUI

COEUR d'ALENE - A 46-year-old Coeur d'Alene man will spend two to 10 years in prison for felony DUI, the Kootenai County prosecutor's office announced Monday.

David E. Meeks Jr. was sentenced last week by 1st District Court Judge John Mitchell, who ordered that the first two years of Meeks' sentence be fixed.

Following Meeks' release from prison, his driver's license will be suspended for five years.

This was Meeks' fifth felony driving under the influence conviction.

Kootenai County Prosecutor Barry McHugh said, "The sentence was appropriate given the danger Meeks presents to the community when he decides to drink and drive."

In the last case, Meeks pleaded guilty to felony DUI.

The conviction related to a Sept. 18 incident in which he was driving in the area of Pleasant View Road near the Spokane River.

A witness contacted 911, reporting that Meeks was weaving all over the road and had almost struck another vehicle. His blood-alcohol level readings were above .13, the prosecutor's office said.

In Idaho, non-commercial drivers over 21 years old are considered legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is .08 or higher.

McHugh said, "The fixed term guarantees that Mr. Meeks will not be able to endanger our community for two years."

During the next two years Meeks will be evaluated by the Idaho Department of Correction to determine whether he is an appropriate candidate for parole, or continues to be a risk to the public and should spend the remainder of his term in prison.

In handing down the sentence, Mitchell encouraged the parole commission to not release Meeks until he has successfully completed all of the appropriate rehabilitation programs.