Maine Man Pleads Guilty to Huffing and Driving

Via SunJournal.com

A 36-year-old Maine man pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of inhalants knowing that his license was revoked and having his 14-year-old nephew in the car with him until the teenager jumped out.   The man pleaded guilty to a felony charge of operating after habitual offender revocation with a prior conviction and two misdemeanor counts of operating under the influence and endangering the welfare of a child.   "The negotiated agreement dismissed two misdemeanor charges of driving to endanger and failing to notify of a motor vehicle accident."

Had the case gone to trial, witnesses would have testified that the man had temporarily blacked our and drove into a ditch and continued into the horse pasture.  The Wilton Police Chief would have testified that the man was locked inside the vehicle and that she saw him huffing from the computer duster.  The man's nephew was able to jump from the car as it entered the horse pasture.

The Judge deferred sentencing on the felony charge for a year.  During that time the man will have to follow an agreement that outlines what he needs to do and he may not use alcohol, illegal drugs, or inhalants.  If he abides by the terms the case will be dismissed. If he does not the minimum mandatory sentence is six months in jail and the maximum is five years and a $10,000 fine.   The man was also sentence to 364 days in jail, all suspended, and one year probation on each of the misdemeanors.  He must also pay a $500 fine and will lose his license for 150 days.