Sedro-Wolley man faces incarceration after fifth DUI

By JESSIE STENSLAND
Whidbey News Times Assistant editor
November 20, 2011 · Updated 5:43 AM 

A 42-year-old Sedro-Woolley man caught driving drunk on South Whidbey Aug. 9 will likely be going to prison because of four prior DUI convictions.

William Shuler pleaded guilty Island County Superior Court Nov. 14 to felony DUI.

A DUI is normally a gross misdemeanor charge, but becomes a felony if a defendant has had four or more prior DUI convictions over a 10-year period.

Shuler had four prior DUI convictions, all in Skagit County, from 2002 to 2006.

Under a plea agreement, the prosecutor dismissed an obstructing charge. Both the prosecution and defense will recommend a sentence of two years and three months in prison at a hearing set for Nov. 21.

According to court documents, Trooper Chris Merwin with the Washington State Patrol was patrolling on Highway 525 on South Whidbey the night of Aug. 9 when he saw a GMC Safari van speeding. He clocked the van with his radar at 70 mph in a 55 mph zone.

Merwin got behind the vehicle and pulled it over after seeing the van cross the centerline. The trooper contacted Shuler, who gave him a false name.

Merwin arrested Shuler after he failed roadside sobriety tests. At the jail, Shuler’s blood-alcohol level was tested at 0.114 and 0.119, while 0.08 is the legal limit.

 

Contact Whidbey News Times Assistant editor Jessie Stensland at jstensland@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360.675.6611 ext. 5056.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.