James W. Boyce, 40, of North Ridgeville, is scheduled to report to the Huron County Jail on March 25 to serve a 60-day sentence. That term will be followed by another 30 days on the work release program.
"I know what I’ve done is a very serious offense. Sobriety is my No. 1 priority," Boyce told Huron County Common Pleas Judge Jim Conway during Tuesday’s sentencing hearing.
Conway, before announcing the defendant’s punishment, said having five prior DUIs in 20 years is a concern. The judge fined Boyce $1,500 and suspended his driver’s license for five years.
As of Saturday, Boyce voluntarily completed a substance abuse program. He’s also been attending AA meetings, which the defendant said is something he needs to continue doing.
If he violates the terms of his three years of probation — which includes random drug screens, Boyce faces 2 1/2 years in prison. He declined to comment further after Tuesday’s hearing.