Chronic DWI Offender Convicted 10 Times For Driving Drunk

By Doug Wernet

LAS CRUCES — A Dona Ana County man was sentenced on Friday after he pleaded guilty to his tenthcharge of driving while intoxicated.

This time around, Jose Gonzalez, 54, was handed a prison sentence of four years and nine months after being found guilty for driving drunk.

Gonzalez served jail time for his previous offenses but upon release he would continue to be arrested on DWI charges, ABC 7 has learned.

His public defender at his latest trial said he has a serious problem and needs long-term treatment, something he’ll receive while serving his sentence.

In court, Gonzalez professed his remorse. “I’m sorry I’ve done these things, but I’m truthful when I say I want to change my ways, because I am in a lot of pain,” he said before the judge.

“You should be spending way more time than just four years and nine months,” said Susana Martinez, Dona Ana County’s district attorney. “Obviously you have not learned — obviously you cannot stop drinking and driving — and the state legislation needs to stiffen the penalties when you start to get DWI numbers 7, 8, 9 and 10 and so forth.”

Gonzalez will be eligible for parole after he serves more than two-and-a-half years.

If he ever gets his drivers license back, he’ll have to have to use a breathalyzer that would be attached to his engine.

The machine will not let his car start unless Gonzalezis sober.