Second DUI Conviction Leads to Jail Time

Chad D. Ramsey, of Carey, was sentenced to six months jail time, and seven and a half years more if he fails at probation, for felony DUI as reported by the Idaho Mountain Express.

Ramsey, 35, received his sentence from Blaine County 5^th District Court Judge Robert J. Elgee.  This is Ramsey's second felony DUI conviction.

Ramsey is also looking at five years of probation - that he must not fail at if he doesn't want to return to jail for another seven year sentence - and two years of driver's license suspension. 

Elgee refused to credit Ramsey for the 68 days he's already spent in jail.  The order is for him to spend the entire six months behind bars.

Ramsey must also attend drug court within two months after his release from jail.

In September Ramsey pleaded guilty to felony DUI in a deal to have a misdemeanor charge of driving with a suspended license dismissed.

Elgee agreed to the joint recommendation from both the Blaine County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, and Ramsey's public defender Christopher Simms, in the sentencing.

August 11 was Ramsey's last arrest, in Bellevue, and has been held in jail ever since.

Ramsey was convicted of felony DUI in 2009.  He was also convicted of misdemeanor DUI in both 2006 and again in 2008.  This is his fourth DUI conviction.

In the 2009 conviction he was sentenced to a suspended prison term of nearly five years, and given three years of probation.  In all three convictions that followed he was also charged with driving while his driver's license was suspended.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Matt Fredback said in regards to Ramsey driving with a suspended license, "That's something that seems to happen every time Mr. Ramsey gets in trouble for driving under the influence."  He also reminded the court that this was Ramsey's third DUI felony.

Idaho court record show that in Ada County, in 1999, Ramsey was convicted of felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. 

In Jerome County, in 1997, Ramsey was also convicted of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and for carrying a concealed weapon.  He was convicted for all three misdemeanor crimes.

Fredback said Ramsey is not only "dangerous to the community" but that "This is the last chance he has."

Simms stated that Ramsey is a "true son of Sun Valley" as he has lived his entire life in Wood River Valley.  He also mentioned that his father works for the sheriff's office - per court officials he is Blaine County Chief Deputy Gene Ramsey - and his mother works in the school district. 

Simms said that Chad Ramsey, who has been involved in treatment since 1999, "knows he has a history of alcoholism." 

Judge Elgee reminded Ramsey, "You get thrown out of drug court, assuming you get in, there's only one thing that can happen after that."

Convicted drug and alcohol felons are offered a chance at rehabilitation over prison time when tried under the Blaine County Drug Court.

If you are going to court on DUI, DWI, OUI or OWI charges, click here for our directory of qualified attorneys to help with your case.