DUI for Washington man could net 10 years in prison

RATHDRUM — A Washington man is facing his third DUI charge in three years.

Aleksey I. Panfilov, 34, is charged with driving under the influence, a felony, and driving while suspended, a misdemeanor.

Police pulled Panfilov over the evening of Oct. 20 for allegedly driving 70 mph in a posted 55 mph zone on Highway 53.

Police said there was an open alcoholic beverage in the vehicle’s center console, as well as two empty cans on the floor, according to court documents.

Panfilov allegedly told police he drank two 24-ounce cans of beer before driving.

He provided breath samples of .193 and .205, according to court documents. In Idaho, drivers with a blood alcohol level of .08 or more are considered legally impaired.

Panfilov was previously convicted of driving under the influence in 2017 in Monroe County, N.Y. and in 2019 in Spokane County.

Police arrested Panfilov at the scene.

In Idaho, a third DUI violation within five years is punishable with up to 10 years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.

A judge ordered Wednesday that Panfilov be held on $100,000 bail.