Lake County District Court news for July 10, 2013
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Judge C.B. McNeil dealt with the following cases Wednesday, July 3:
Tylan Sinclair, 34, Ronan, pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol, fourth or subsequent offense, a felony.
An omnibus hearing is set for Thursday, Aug. 15 and jury trial is set to begin for Monday, Sept. 3. Both begin at 9 a.m.
According to court documents, charges stem from an April 4 incident where Sinclair was pulled over from crossing the center line of Highway 93. Sinclair told the Montana Highway Patrol trooper that he was driving home from the bar. Sinclair provided a breath sample on the trooper’s portable device, which read .226 blood alcohol content. His driving record showed three prior convictions for driving under the influence.
William Robert Gopher, 18, St. Ignatius, in a change of plea admitted committing criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony. The court found Gopher guilty. Sentencing is set for Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 9 a.m.
According to court documents, charges stem from a February 14 incident where a Montana Highway Patrol trooper found 46.5 hydrocodone pills, a pill crusher and a pill bottle in Gopher’s vehicle during a traffic stop. The bottle label was not in Gopher’s name, and the trooper could see white residue in Gopher’s nostril. Gopher admitted snorting half a hydrocodone pill.
Daniel James O’Roake, 25, Ronan, in a change of plea, admitted committing operating without liability insurance in effect, first offense, a misdemeanor. Another count was dismissed. The court found O’Roake guilty. O’Roake was fined $500 with all suspended but $150, plus surcharges of $185.
Alan Howlett, 34, Polson, admitted to violating terms of probation and parole, and had his deferred sentence for criminal endangerment revoked. Howlett was sentenced to the Department of Defense of 10 years with eight suspended. The court recommended the DOC place Howlett in a long-term chemical dependency program.
