Career DUI Offender Convicted of Felony DUI

DA Charme Allen’s DUI Unit secured a conviction against Pascasio Martinez, 50, for Driving Under the Influence 4^th or Subsequent Offense. At trial, Assistant District Attorneys Joe Welker & Heather Good explained to the jury that at 3am on August 9, 2014, Martinez drove on Chapman Highway into Downtown Knoxville without using his headlights. KPD Officers Cardin and Mays stopped Martinez’s vehicle and noted Martinez exhibited clear signs of intoxication. Martinez failed field sobriety tests and admitted drinking at a local bar prior to driving. Martinez’s blood alcohol level was .168, more than twice the legal limit. In a subsequent hearing, Welker and Good provided proof of Martinez’s history of DUI convictions making his most recent offense a felony. The jury levied the maximum $15,000 fine upon Martinez. Judge Scott Green set a March 11^th sentencing date, when Martinez faces one to six years in prison. Prosecutors will be seeking an enhanced sentence based upon Martinez’s prior felony history.

“If you’re drinking and driving, you will be stopped, you will be arrested, and you will be prosecuted,” said DA Charme Allen.”Repeat DUI offenders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.